Image credit: © conceptcarz.com (Reproduction Or reuse prohibited).
The BMW Motorsport needed a competitive car to enter the Group 4 class in the Procar World Championship. Jochen Neerpasch would unite two former allied nations in the quest. The result would be simply called the M1 and it would certainly become one of the most remarkable and intriguing stories, especially in BMW's history.
The influence is obvious. Yet, the story is not as clear-cut as it may seem. By the end of the 1970s, BMW was still very much focused on creating sedans and coupes for production purposes. Each of these models lacked the ability to be turned into a true competitor within the Group 4 class. BMW's motorsport division needed a competitive model created first for the track and then tweaked for road-going purposes.
Neerpasch knew what was needed. He knew the advantages of a mid-engine layout and a chassis designed specifically for the track first instead of the road. Basically, what Jochen needed was a supercar. And, at the time of the mid-1970s, there was really only one company building supercars for the road—Lamborghini.
The car that is considered the first of the supercars is the Lamborghini Miura. The Miura would be produced between 1966 and 1972. It would then be replaced by the evocative Countach in 1974. The Countach's wedge-shaped body styling would become the epitome of supercar design. Therefore, Neerpasch knew who to contact about designing and building his special, one-off, design.
Giorgio Giugiaro of Ital Design would be given the task of designing the new car. So, while it would carry the German BMW badge, it would be an Italian design and influence. And the Italian influence would be anything but subtle. Ital Design would be given the task of designing the car for BMW, and, Lamborghini would be tasked with actually building and manufacturing the car. This was certainly a departure for BMW. Not surprisingly, the costs of this project would be quite exorbitant.
In the end, the deal with Lamborghini would break down and BMW would be left having to construct and manufacture the whole car. But this is where the story gets really intriguing. Though unsubstantiated, it is a widely held belief that elements from BMW had to sneak into Lamborghini to get its engineering plans and tooling. Lamborghini had built a few examples of what was to be the M1, however, financial troubles led to the company doors being locked by the government. In the end, BMW would be left with the task of building the car.
The M1 would be unlike any other BMW would produce, then and now. BMW's research and development department was stretched to its limits creating passenger cars for production. By having Ital Design do the design work, BMW's Motorsport division would have a car created for them.
The pricey program nearly killed the project before it even had a chance to turn a wheel. However, Neerpasch would eventually find partners in Marchesi to assemble the space frames and the Italian firm TIR would build the fiberglass body panels. Baur, the German constructor, would be tasked with final assembly out of its plant in Stuttgart.
The result would be a fierce competitor for the track and one of the most striking BMWs ever to be produced. Though motivated and inspired for the track, the M1 would be no disappointment on the road either. Surprisingly comfortable, and, easy to drive, the M1 is certainly a very special car.
Including racing models, just a total of 450 M1s would be produced and production would last just two years. This was certainly affected by price, which easily topped $110,000 in the early '80s. Proving that racing was the first concern, one is immediately taken by the sparse interior. The car is all business, and nothing else.
In June 1980, chassis 1194 would be completed. In its own right, this car would stand amongst a very few M1s. Finished in Inka Orange, this car would be one of just 98 to have Inka Orange. The interior of the car would be much more straightforward boasting of black leather. Complete with air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors and a Becker Mexico stereo, 1194 would soon make its way to the United States and Rosner Motors Inc. in Virginia.
Its early history would be rather unknown. What is known is that, in 1989, the car would return to Germany on behalf of its then-owner, Mr. Davila. Mr. Davila owned another M1 and a residence in Kaiserslautern. Mr. Davila would drive the car around the town carefully and on special occasions being careful to maintain the M1.
Davila would pass away in 1994. However, the car would not leave the family. Instead, the car would pass along to Davila's son, Jean Paul. The car would remain in Germany until 2008 when Jean Paul exported the car back to the United States. After nearly 30 years, the car had still only collected about 3,000 miles.
A Texas collector would notice the car in 2011. The condition of the car, and its low mileage would prompt an offer. After nearly three decades in one family 1194 was moving on. Almost immediately, the car would be delivered to Dinan, a BMW specialist in Mountain View, California. The car would be checked and serviced at that time. An important change would be replacing the odometer from kilometers to miles per hour.
The results of the work are almost immediately recognizable as 1194 continues to look almost as it did when it first made its journey across the Atlantic to the United States. It remains and a fitting example of the German/Italian icon.
Chassis 1194 would be made available for sale at the 2014 Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Prior to the auction, the M1 was garnering estimates ranging from $400,000 to $500,000. When the gavel struck at the end of bidding, the final sale price ended up being $440,000.
Sources:
'1978 BMW E26 M1 News, Pictures, Specifications and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/z22349/BMW-E26-M1.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/z22349/BMW-E26-M1.aspx. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
Jurneka, Rory. '1980 BMW M1 Classic Drive', (http://www.motortrend.com/classic/features/1212_1980_bmw_m1_classic_drive/). Motor Trend. http://www.motortrend.com/classic/features/1212_1980_bmw_m1_classic_drive/. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
'The History of the BMW M1', (http://www.caranddriver.com/features/the-m1-trilogy-the-history-of-the-m1-feature). Car and Driver. http://www.caranddriver.com/features/the-m1-trilogy-the-history-of-the-m1-feature. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
'Lot No. 145: 1980 BMW M1', (http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1980-bmw-m1-2/). Gooding & Company. http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1980-bmw-m1-2/. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
Wikipedia contributors, 'Lamborghini Miura', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 15 January 2014, 04:00 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lamborghini_Miura&oldid=590768320 accessed 20 January 2014
By Jeremy McMullen
The influence is obvious. Yet, the story is not as clear-cut as it may seem. By the end of the 1970s, BMW was still very much focused on creating sedans and coupes for production purposes. Each of these models lacked the ability to be turned into a true competitor within the Group 4 class. BMW's motorsport division needed a competitive model created first for the track and then tweaked for road-going purposes.
Neerpasch knew what was needed. He knew the advantages of a mid-engine layout and a chassis designed specifically for the track first instead of the road. Basically, what Jochen needed was a supercar. And, at the time of the mid-1970s, there was really only one company building supercars for the road—Lamborghini.
The car that is considered the first of the supercars is the Lamborghini Miura. The Miura would be produced between 1966 and 1972. It would then be replaced by the evocative Countach in 1974. The Countach's wedge-shaped body styling would become the epitome of supercar design. Therefore, Neerpasch knew who to contact about designing and building his special, one-off, design.
Giorgio Giugiaro of Ital Design would be given the task of designing the new car. So, while it would carry the German BMW badge, it would be an Italian design and influence. And the Italian influence would be anything but subtle. Ital Design would be given the task of designing the car for BMW, and, Lamborghini would be tasked with actually building and manufacturing the car. This was certainly a departure for BMW. Not surprisingly, the costs of this project would be quite exorbitant.
In the end, the deal with Lamborghini would break down and BMW would be left having to construct and manufacture the whole car. But this is where the story gets really intriguing. Though unsubstantiated, it is a widely held belief that elements from BMW had to sneak into Lamborghini to get its engineering plans and tooling. Lamborghini had built a few examples of what was to be the M1, however, financial troubles led to the company doors being locked by the government. In the end, BMW would be left with the task of building the car.
The M1 would be unlike any other BMW would produce, then and now. BMW's research and development department was stretched to its limits creating passenger cars for production. By having Ital Design do the design work, BMW's Motorsport division would have a car created for them.
The pricey program nearly killed the project before it even had a chance to turn a wheel. However, Neerpasch would eventually find partners in Marchesi to assemble the space frames and the Italian firm TIR would build the fiberglass body panels. Baur, the German constructor, would be tasked with final assembly out of its plant in Stuttgart.
The result would be a fierce competitor for the track and one of the most striking BMWs ever to be produced. Though motivated and inspired for the track, the M1 would be no disappointment on the road either. Surprisingly comfortable, and, easy to drive, the M1 is certainly a very special car.
Including racing models, just a total of 450 M1s would be produced and production would last just two years. This was certainly affected by price, which easily topped $110,000 in the early '80s. Proving that racing was the first concern, one is immediately taken by the sparse interior. The car is all business, and nothing else.
In June 1980, chassis 1194 would be completed. In its own right, this car would stand amongst a very few M1s. Finished in Inka Orange, this car would be one of just 98 to have Inka Orange. The interior of the car would be much more straightforward boasting of black leather. Complete with air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors and a Becker Mexico stereo, 1194 would soon make its way to the United States and Rosner Motors Inc. in Virginia.
Its early history would be rather unknown. What is known is that, in 1989, the car would return to Germany on behalf of its then-owner, Mr. Davila. Mr. Davila owned another M1 and a residence in Kaiserslautern. Mr. Davila would drive the car around the town carefully and on special occasions being careful to maintain the M1.
Davila would pass away in 1994. However, the car would not leave the family. Instead, the car would pass along to Davila's son, Jean Paul. The car would remain in Germany until 2008 when Jean Paul exported the car back to the United States. After nearly 30 years, the car had still only collected about 3,000 miles.
A Texas collector would notice the car in 2011. The condition of the car, and its low mileage would prompt an offer. After nearly three decades in one family 1194 was moving on. Almost immediately, the car would be delivered to Dinan, a BMW specialist in Mountain View, California. The car would be checked and serviced at that time. An important change would be replacing the odometer from kilometers to miles per hour.
The results of the work are almost immediately recognizable as 1194 continues to look almost as it did when it first made its journey across the Atlantic to the United States. It remains and a fitting example of the German/Italian icon.
Chassis 1194 would be made available for sale at the 2014 Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Prior to the auction, the M1 was garnering estimates ranging from $400,000 to $500,000. When the gavel struck at the end of bidding, the final sale price ended up being $440,000.
Sources:
'1978 BMW E26 M1 News, Pictures, Specifications and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/z22349/BMW-E26-M1.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/z22349/BMW-E26-M1.aspx. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
Jurneka, Rory. '1980 BMW M1 Classic Drive', (http://www.motortrend.com/classic/features/1212_1980_bmw_m1_classic_drive/). Motor Trend. http://www.motortrend.com/classic/features/1212_1980_bmw_m1_classic_drive/. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
'The History of the BMW M1', (http://www.caranddriver.com/features/the-m1-trilogy-the-history-of-the-m1-feature). Car and Driver. http://www.caranddriver.com/features/the-m1-trilogy-the-history-of-the-m1-feature. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
'Lot No. 145: 1980 BMW M1', (http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1980-bmw-m1-2/). Gooding & Company. http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1980-bmw-m1-2/. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
Wikipedia contributors, 'Lamborghini Miura', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 15 January 2014, 04:00 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lamborghini_Miura&oldid=590768320 accessed 20 January 2014
By Jeremy McMullen
2014 Gooding & Company - The Scottsdale Auction
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $400,000-USD $500,000
Sale Price :
USD $440,000
1980 BMW E26 M1 Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the BMW E26 M1
(Data based on Model Year 1980 sales)
| 1980 BMW M1 Procar Chassis#: 4301302 Sold for USD$1,095,350 2024 Artcurial : Retromobile | |
| 1980 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301327 Sold for USD$567,193 2024 RM Sothebys : Paris | |
| 1980 BMW M1 Sold for USD$582,500 2023 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
| 1980 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301442 Sold for USD$478,000 2023 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach |  |
| 1980 BMW M1 AHG Studie Chassis#: WBS00000094301090 Sold for USD$648,500 2022 RM Sothebys : The Youngtimer Collection - Miami |   |
| 1980 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301218 Sold for USD$825,049 2022 RM Sothebys : Munich | |
| 1980 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301261 Sold for USD$417,500 2021 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction |   |
| 1980 BMW M1 (E26) Chassis#: WBS59910004301170 Sold for USD$503,950 2020 Silverstone Auctions : The NEC Classic Live Online Auction | |
| 1980 BMW M1 Procar Chassis#: WBS59910004301195 Sold for USD$913,000 2020 RM Sothebys : Shift/Monterey | |
| 1980 BMW M1 Sold for USD$400,000 2017 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
| 1980 BMW M1 Coupé Chassis#: WB500000094301080 Sold for USD$529,236 2015 Bonhams : The Zoute Sale | |
| 1980 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301160 Sold for USD$599,500 2015 Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction |   |
| 1980 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301292 Sold for USD$462,000 2015 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach Concours | |
| 1980 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301385 Sold for USD$379,500 2014 Gooding & Company - Amelia Island Sale |   |
| 1980 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301194 Sold for USD$440,000 2014 Gooding & Company - The Scottsdale Auction |   |
| 1980 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301360 Sold for USD$242,000 2013 RM - The Don Davis Collection | |
| 1980 BMW M1 Chassis#: WBS59910004301360 Sold for USD$185,000 2012 Mecum - Monterey, CA | |
| 1980 BMW M1 Ahg Coupe Sold for USD$155,000 2011 Mecum Auctions - Monterey, CA The Daytime Auction | |
| 1980 BMW MI Chassis#: WBS59910004301153 Sold for USD$137,500 2010 RM Auctions - Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey |   |
| 1980 BMW M1 Coupe Sold for USD$120,000 2009 Mecum - Monterey Auction |
BMW E26 M1s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1980 BMW E26 M1's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
| Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 BMW M1 | WBS59910004301226 | 2023 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | $550,000 | $750,000 | |
| 1980 BMW M1 | WBS00000094301096 | 2019 Artcurial : Retroobile | $425,000 | $500,000 | |
| 1980 BMW M1 Coupé | WB500000094301080 | 2018 Bonhams : The Monaco Sale 'Les Grandes Marques à Monaco' | $540,000 | $580,000 | |
| 1980 BMW M1 | WBS00000094301096 | 2017 Mecum : Monterey | $400,000 | ||
| 1980 BMW M1 | WBS4301006 | 2016 Gooding & Company : The Scottsdale Auction | $575,000 | $650,000 | |
| 1980 BMW M1 | WBS00000094301096 | 2016 Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa | $525,000 | $625,000 | |
| 1980 BMW M1 | WBS00000094301096 | 2015 Mecum : Monterey | $450,000 | $600,000 | $750,000 |
| 1980 BMW M1 AHG | WBS00000094301090 | 2015 Mecum : Monterey | $400,000 | $550,000 | $650,000 |
| 1980 BMW M1 | 2015 Hollywood Motors : Amelia Island Select | ||||
| 1980 BMW M1 | WBS00000094301096 | 2014 Mecum Monterey | $375,000 | $400,000 | $500,000 |
| 1980 BMW M1 AHG Studie | WBS00000094301090 | 2014 RM Auctions at Monterey | $400,000 | $600,000 | $800,000 |
| 1980 BMW M1 | WBS59910004301233 | 2010 RM Auctions Sporting Classics of Monaco | $80,000 | $90,000 | $120,000 |
| 1980 BMW M1 Coupe | 2009 Collector Cars of Fort Lauderdale | $120,000 |
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
Similar sales to the $437,454 range.
| 1969 Ford Torino Talladega GPT Special Chassis#:8k42c137518 Sold for $440,000 2024 Mecum : Glendale | |
| 2005 Ford GT Chassis#:1fafp90s75y401667 Sold for $440,000 2024 Mecum : Glendale | |
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Chassis#:WDDAJ76F46M001052 Sold for $434,000 2024 RM Sothebys : ModaMiami | |
| 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster Chassis#:188.012.00305/53 Sold for $434,000 2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia | |
| 1929 Bugatti Type 40 Roadster par Gangloff Chassis#:40488 Sold for $437,111 2024 Artcurial : Retromobile | |
| 1925 Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix par Gilles Fournier Chassis#:4467 Sold for $437,111 2024 Artcurial : Retromobile | |
| 1965 Lamborghini 350 GT par Touring Chassis#:0154 Sold for $437,111 2024 Artcurial : Retromobile | |
| 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Coachwork by Pininfarina Chassis#:ZFFZR52B000124211 Sold for $437,321 2024 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde a Paris | |
| 2005 Ford GT Chassis#:1FAFP90SX5Y401565 Sold for $434,000 2024 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
| 1938 PACKARD 12 TORPEDO-CABRIOLET Chassis#:A600390 Sold for $440,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
| 1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI SUPERBIRD Chassis#:RM23R0A172586 Sold for $440,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
| 1967 FORD MUSTANG ELEANOR WIDEBODY LIMITED EDITION Chassis#:7R02C228957 Sold for $440,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
| 2023 FORD BRONCO DR RACE TRUCK Chassis#:FP-MM-BDR-018 Sold for $440,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
| 1972 CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER CUSTOM SUV Chassis#:CKE182S166809 Sold for $440,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
| 1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE Chassis#:J58S209175 Sold for $440,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
| 1969 FORD MUSTANG BOSS 429 Chassis#:9F02Z198922 Sold for $440,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
| 1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE Chassis#:20867S101962 Sold for $440,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
| 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Club Sport Chassis#:WP0AB0919JS125062 Sold for $434,000 2023 RM Sothebys : The White Collection | |
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series Chassis#:WDB2304791F154550 Sold for $437,859 2023 RM Sothebys : London | |
| 1934 Auburn Twelve Salon Cabriolet Sold for $440,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Hershey |   |
1980 BMW E26 M1
• Additional valuation insight and sales data• History
• Specifications
• Image gallery
• Other BMW E26 M1 model years
