1980 BMW M1

This 1980 BMW M1 stands as a rare gem among the approximately 400 road-ready units produced during a span of two and a half years. Notably, it is one of only two cars originally delivered from the factory in striking black. Chassis #292, born on July 15, 1980, found its first home in England and later crossed the Atlantic under previous ownership, ultimately landing in the possession of the selling dealer in 2022, reportedly sourced from esteemed BMW collector Peter Gleeson. Powering this automotive masterpiece is a mid-mounted, fuel-injected 3,453cc M88/1 inline-six engine, flawlessly mated to a ZF five-speed manual transaxle and a limited-slip differential. The driving experience is enhanced by features such as black upholstery, ventilated disc brakes, staggered-width Campagnolo alloy wheels, air conditioning, power windows, and a Becker Mexico cassette stereo. The BMW M1 was conceived by BMW’s motorsport division as a homologation model for FIA Group 5 sports car racing. Originally intended to be produced in collaboration with Lamborghini, the project took an alternative route after the dissolution of the partnership. The Gianpaolo Dallara-designed spaceframe found its home with Italian firm Marchesi, while the Giorgetto Giugiaro-styled fiberglass bodywork was crafted by Trasformazione Italiana Resina. The bodies were then completed by Italdesign in Turin before reaching Baur in Stuttgart for meticulous hand assembly. Cloaked in a timeless black finish, this M1 showcases iconic features, including a front spoiler, pop-up headlights, quarter panel vents, and dual BMW roundels adorning the trailing edge of the rear flying buttresses.