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.
The most desirable BMW, I can just imagine what this car would’ve become, if BMW had continued to manufacture it. Sure, the Z8 is pretty and has a V8, but the M1 stands above & apart from all the other BMWs I can think of.
The 1972 BMW Turbo gullwing.
This, like the BMW Motorrad K1 was typical of what happened years ago when you let loose an enthusiastic team of engineers to build with no holds barred.
That this was awarded to one of the very finest drivers of our time would be all the better as an homage to him, more so when driven with any skill.
Outstanding icon of the times.
BB. Before the bean counters started ruining the auto industry, and certainly BMW. A local BMW dealer had one on display and it is even better in person!
The “Goldilocks’ of cars!
I instantly wanted one for the street the first time I saw a picture. The local dealer had one one-third showroom floor. They had a mop in the corner fir all the drool on the floor. (Some was mine) But the closest I ever came to enjoying one was watching one at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Just a beautiful car, and I bet a blast to drive. This one will be way past my budget but I hope it still gets driven at times.
In my mind this car still leads the specialty cars built to this day.
IMO the company that used to make the “the ultimate driving machine” is now making the ultimate money machine, and ugly as well. This is one of their best.
First saw one of these on the pages of Autoweek. I was stunned that such a supercar was actually being built. Beautiful and purposeful at the same time. Reminds me of a girl I once knew, Lessie. I doubt if she held up as well as this car though. I haven’t but I’m still driving!
With a curb weight of almost 2900 lbs and 266 hp these were quick back in the day but not nearly as fast as supercars like the Countach that were only about a hundred pounds heavier but had almost 100 more hp. Still an iconic car but much like the NSX, they needed some more power to be near the top of the heap.
if only it were a Procar….
Ready for another Mecum Moment.
BMW had a hard time coming back after the war, almost folded as a company.
Uh, Jeff. The Lexus LFA was certainly not a “Supercar”. It was front engine, RWD and did not have the “stop traffic dead” styling required to be a supercar. It was also not a GT car… it didn’t even have cup holders. The Lexus LFA was a halo car who’s only existence was so Toyota could prove what they could do with no restraints. The Lexus LFA IS the Japanese McLaren F1. An uncatagorizable offering unlikely to happen again for quite sometime. Meanwhile, no mention of Lamborghini’s large part in the birth of the BMW M1? Heck, it’s almost more Lambo then BMW.
Just watched a Top Gear rerun
James May drives one and really makes me want one but unfortunately my wallet and their rarity conspires against me
Beautiful car. Timeless design.