1981 BMW M1, Coachwork by ItalDesign Design by Giorgetto Giugiaro

1981 BMW M1
VIN. WBS59910004301322
Coachwork by ItalDesign
Design by Giorgetto Giugiaro
3,453cc DOHC 24-Valve Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Kugelfischer Mechanical Fuel Injection
277bhp at 6,500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Double Wishbone Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Power Assisted Disc Brakes

*One of only 453 built
*Well documented service history
*Iconic 70s wedge design
*Understated Dark Blue exterior

THE BMW M1

The BMW M1's existence originates from the need for a production based car for a proposed Group 5 'Silhouette Formula' to compete in the World Sports Car Championship. The mid-engined concept car was designed in-house by Frenchman Paul Bracq. Ex-racing driver Jochen Neerpasch was responsible for initiating this ambitious project which was intended to take on rivals Porsche and hopefully yield a victory at Le Mans.

Internally dubbed the E26, the M1's development was a cooperative effort with top Italian specialists. Lamborghini was initially contracted to build the car but Giorgetto Giugiaro's Ital Design ultimately took over the project. The coach assembly was performed at Ital Design featuring a fiberglass body built by composite specialist T. I. R. on a multi tubular space frame chassis supplied by chassis specialist Marchesi & C.

Assembled bodies were shipped to BMW's German partner Baur for the mechanical assembly, the last stop then being BMW Motorsports for final preparation and distribution. The twin-overhead-cam, four-valves-per-cylinder 3.5-liter six was all BMW with tweaks by the Motorsports division. A five-speed ZF transaxle was used to transmit power to the ground. Lamborghini's Gian Paolo Dallara was responsible for developing the suspension, which followed racing practice by using unequal-length wishbones at front and rear. The M1's wedge-shaped coachwork proved highly efficient aerodynamically, needing very little in the way of additional spoilers and wings, even in race configuration. The M1's interior was exceptionally well equipped for a sports car. It featured Recaro seats in leather with fabric inserts, air conditioning, electric windows, remotely operated door mirrors and heated rear screen.

First shown at the Paris Motor Show in 1978, the road-going version came with 277bhp and a top speed of 160mph. The abandonment of the Group 5 Silhouette Formula robbed the car of its raison d'être, but production nonetheless continued. An M1-only Procar Series was run at Grand Prix races in 1980 and '81 provided BMW Motorsport with a valuable showcase by way of consolation. Some 453 M1s were built thereby fulfilling racing homologation requirement that400 be produced. Production ceased at 399 road cars and 54 Procars.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The frigid climate of our neighbors to the north, at face value, may seem antithetical to the ownership and enjoyment of a supercar hailing from the 1970s, yet for this M1's half century existence, the thoroughbred BMW has provided its exclusively Canadian owners countless thrilling drives.

Ultimately delivered new to A.E. Shepard of Vancouver British Columbia, the Italo-Tuetonic motor was brought into Her Majesty's commonwealth after being federalized by ACI of Harbor City, California. A careful owner, the BMW was brought in for routine servicing at correct intervals and furthermore received fixes as necessary during this initial period. In early 1988, the car would find its second owner in Thunder Bay, Ontario with now roughly 70,000 miles on the odometer. This term resulted in only a few thousand more miles and some minor mechanical work before the third owner came about. This gentleman from Toronto was responsible for commissioning the extensive restoration of the body and mechanicals over the course of 1990 and 1991. Documented by receipts and invoices, thousands of dollars spent resulted in an entirely refreshed car, ready for thousands of more miles.

The BMW would not reach new hands again until 2008, when it was purchased by the consigner, an Edmonton based BMW aficionado. Again, the continued, diligent mechanical care of the car continues to this day with further work having been completed since then in order to keep the car in top shape. Most recently, the car was fitted with new tires and coolant pipes, while the exterior received some scratch repair on the deck and louvres. Furthermore, the airdam was repainted black.

Today, the fruits of the fastidious care are readily apparent. Its original color scheme of a stygian blue over a black partial leather interior shows remarkably little wear even after thousands of miles of motoring. A few scuffs and nicks can be found, yet only to provide the vehicle with further character. Much is the same when looking at the interior, with similar signs of use present within the creases found on the seats. Indeed, the patina provides a welcoming feel to the cockpit. Further sweetening the deal is a complete collection of the vehicle's service history and mechanical repairs. We invite those interested in the car to browse through these documents as they show the level of care placed on the car to ensure its continued roadworthiness. Additionally, the M1 is accompanied by its service manual, microfiche, original tool kit, spare wheel, jack, and safety kit. Lastly, a certification from BMW Germany will also be on file.

To date, the M1 endures as the Bavarian Motor Werks sole true effort at producing a supercar. Its sonorous individual throttle bodied inline 6 is heralded as one of the company's finest achievements- all within the confines of a wonderfully period wedge shape. A storied motorsport history and further rarity combine to make the M1 one of -if not- the most desirable BMW on the planet. An example as well cared for and ready to use as this one on offer, will make for a wonderful addition to any serious collection of automobiles.