Every once in a while, a car comes up for grabs that checks so many boxes it doesn’t seem possible, or even real. Most of the world’s significant collector vehicles have some key detail: highly limited production, special factory configuration, celebrity ownership, modifications that actually add value – take your pick. It’s rare that a car like this 1980 BMW M1 comes up for grabs, as it’s an iconic, limited-production model that was also owned by none other than legendary F1 driver Niki Lauda. Factor in a paint scheme by a famous artist that earned it a designation as an official BMW art car and it’s a home run. Find it here on Mecum.com where it will go up for auction in a few weeks.

When BMW builds a supercar, it’s usually a significant achievement. It doesn’t do it every year. There are special cars like this throughout automotive history when a manufacturer builds a car they have shown a track record for building well, but on an unpredictable cadence. Honda produced the S2000, and hasn’t made a true sports car since. Lexus built the stunning LFA and will likely not build a supercar ever again. BMW still builds limited-production performance models, but cars like the M1 have never followed a predictable schedule. The BMW i8 is one of the last times it designed and produced a limited-production car no one was expecting; it will never be appreciated the way the M1 is.

The M1 is powered by a 3.5L M88 inline-6 engine that generates a stunning (for the time) 266 b.h.p. and 243 lb-ft of twist. You have to remember for the time in which this car was made, this output from an I6 was downright impressive, not to mention that it was developed by BMW’s fledgling Motorsport division. With that pedigree behind it, the M1 was destined for greatness – which is why it’s hardly a surprise that someone like Lauda would be drawn to it. With a top speed of 165 miles per hour, 16-inch Campagnolo wheels, an iconic 3-spoke Motorsport steering wheel, sport buckets seats, and a Becker Europa head unit, the M1 checks all the boxes for a European sports car enthusiast.

The blue interior is an absolute home run on this car, especially with the painted bodywork. BMW has a history of building art cars, where famous artists are invited to paint custom schemes on significant BMW models. The M1 features the M stripes painted by German designer and artist Walter Maurer, which pushes the rarity of this example over the top. It’s designated as an actual “BMW Art Car”, which, when combined with the famous ownership and rarity of the model, gives this M1 invaluable pedigree. It shows just over 20,000 kilometers and is expected to bring $625,000 – $675,000. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. for the tip.