Legendary mid-engine 1981 BMW M1 up for auction

The BMW M1 became a major player in the automotive world when it debuted in 1978.

You might even go as far as to say that it exceeded all expectations and became an automotive legend.

Combining timeless design with pure racing technology, the M1 cast a spell upon gearheads and racing fans alike, and continues to do so to this day.

Now, one of these legends is up for auction over on SBX Cars.

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Facts about the BMW M1

The first vehicle designed by BMW Motorsport GmbH, the M1 was penned Giorgio Giugiaro.

In total, 460 BMW M1s were built, which included 399 road-legal examples and 54 made for motorsport.

With a maximum output of 277 horsepower, the M1 could reach a maximum speed of 265km/h (165mph).

An original-owner example on SBX Cars

One of the rarest and most exclusive BMWs ever made, it is little wonder that the BMW M1 up for auction on SBX Cars is drawing so much attention.

It wasn’t that long ago that we reported on a BMW M1 barn find that was someone’s supercar secret.

You may also recall that the BMW M1 AHG Studie, once owned by American actor Paul Walker sold for $648,500 at auction in 2023.

For starters, the car is single-family owned, with just 13,624 kilometers (8,465 miles) on the odometer.

A 1981 model, the M1 is powered by a 3.5-liter straight-six rated for 277 horsepower and 243lb-ft of torque, sending power to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transaxle.

Finished in blue over a black leather and checkered fabric cabin, this legendary mid-engine Bavarian exotic is not to be missed.

Ownership history

The story goes, the European-spec BMW M1 was sold new to the seller’s father in South Africa on October 19, 1981.

The car moved with the family to Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, and New Zealand.

Then, in 2012, the M1 was imported to the US, where it currently resides in Miami, stored in a bubble.

As the M1 wasn’t officially imported to the USA and therefore never federalized, it’s the definition of forbidden fruit, retaining all the original European specs.

At the time of writing, the bids on the M1 had reached $22,500 with 13 days remaining on the auction.