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The BMW M1, internally dubbed the E26, was a cooperative effort with several top Italian specialists. Lamborghini was initially contracted to build the car but Giorgetto Giugiaro's Ital Design ultimately took over the project. It had a fiberglass body built by composite specialist T. I. R. on a multi tubular space frame chassis supplied by chassis specialist Marchesi & C. The assembled bodies were shipped to BMW's German partner Baur for the mechanical assembly. The final stop was BMW Motorsports for final preparation and distribution. The engine was a 3.5-liter six with four valves per cylinder, twin-overhead-cam, and modifications by the Motorsports division. The suspension was developed by Lamborghini's Gian Paolo Dallara, with unequal-length wishbones in the front and the rear.
Inside, the M1 had Recaro seats in leather with fabric inserts, air conditioning, electric windows, remotely operated door mirrors and heated rear screen.
The BMW M1 made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 1978. The road-going version had nearly 270 horsepower with a top speed in the neighborhood of 160 mph. An M1-only Procar Series was run at Grand Prix races in 1980 and 1981. In total, BMW produced 399 road cars and 54 Procars.
This particular example was completed on September 23, 1980 and was finished in white over black leather with black and white checker cloth inserts. This was the most popular car with 163 road cars similarly trimmed. This car was delivered to the U.S. on January 13, 1981. At the time Federal regulations required a speedometer that reads a maximum of 85mph. The 85mph speedometer is still fitted.
In 2002, it left its long term ownership and was sold with 3,382 miles on the odometer. From 2003 until 2009, it was owned by 3 subsequent owners, where it received an additional 3,200 miles on its odometer.
In 2009, it was sold at Bonhams' Quail Lodge Auction with just under 6,600 odometer miles. Since that time, it has covered an additional 500 miles; currently it shows fewer than 7,200 miles.
Inside, the M1 had Recaro seats in leather with fabric inserts, air conditioning, electric windows, remotely operated door mirrors and heated rear screen.
The BMW M1 made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 1978. The road-going version had nearly 270 horsepower with a top speed in the neighborhood of 160 mph. An M1-only Procar Series was run at Grand Prix races in 1980 and 1981. In total, BMW produced 399 road cars and 54 Procars.
This particular example was completed on September 23, 1980 and was finished in white over black leather with black and white checker cloth inserts. This was the most popular car with 163 road cars similarly trimmed. This car was delivered to the U.S. on January 13, 1981. At the time Federal regulations required a speedometer that reads a maximum of 85mph. The 85mph speedometer is still fitted.
In 2002, it left its long term ownership and was sold with 3,382 miles on the odometer. From 2003 until 2009, it was owned by 3 subsequent owners, where it received an additional 3,200 miles on its odometer.
In 2009, it was sold at Bonhams' Quail Lodge Auction with just under 6,600 odometer miles. Since that time, it has covered an additional 500 miles; currently it shows fewer than 7,200 miles.
2015 Bonhams Amelia Island Auction
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $400,000-USD $450,000
Sale Price :
USD $605,000
2009 Bonhams - Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club
Sale Price :
USD $147,800
1981 BMW M1 Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the BMW M1
(Data based on Model Year 1981 sales)
1981 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301364 Sold for USD$368,944 2024 RM Sothebys : Monaco | |
1981 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301424 Sold for USD$742,000 2024 RM Sothebys : ModaMiami | |
1981 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301326 Sold for USD$692,500 2022 Broad Arrow Auctions : Monterey Jet Center Auction | |
1981 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301240 Sold for USD$368,000 2020 Gooding & Company : Scottsdale Arizona | |
1981 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301322 Sold for USD$390,000 2019 Bonhams : Quail Lodge Auction | |
1981 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301421 Sold for USD$467,500 2018 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1981 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301348 Sold for USD$577,500 2016 RM Sotheby's : Monterey | |
1981 BMW M1 Coupe Chassis#: WBS59910004301413 Sold for USD$416,343 2016 Bonhams : The Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale | |
1981 BMW M1 COUPE Chassis#: WBS59910004301336 Sold for USD$605,000 2015 Bonhams Amelia Island Auction | |
1980 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301154 Sold for USD$242,000 2012 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auction | |
1981 BMW M1 Sold for USD$212,217 2012 Coys Auctions - Techno Classica | |
1981 BMW M1 Chassis#: 69910004301170 Sold for USD$192,228 2012 Coys - Techno Classica, Essen Germany | |
1981 BMW M1 Coupé Chassis#: WBS59910004301336 Sold for USD$147,800 2009 Bonhams - Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club | |
1981 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301403 Sold for USD$137,500 2008 RM Auctions - Automobiles of Arizona | |
1981 BMW M1 Sold for USD$91,000 2006 Bonhams & Butterfields at The Quail Lodge, Resort & Golf Club |
BMW M1s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1981 BMW M1's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1981 BMW M1 | WBS59910004301440 | 2024 Broad Arrow : Monterey | $470,000 | $570,000 | |
1981 BMW M1 | WBS59910004301191 | 2022 Broad Arrow Auctions : West Palm Beach | $450,000 | $500,000 | |
1981 BMW M1 | WBS59910004301426 | 2019 Worldwide Auctioneers : Riyadh Auction | $1,000,000 | ||
1981 BMW M1 | 2016 Auctions America : Fort Lauderdale | $470,000 | |||
1981 BMW M1 | WBS59910004301426 | 2015 RM Sotheby's NY Auction : Driven By Distruption | $800,000 | $1,000,000 |
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1981 BMW M1
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