Lot 348: 1981 BMW M1

BMW's glorious M1 supercar is a rare mix of stunning performance and practicality. Whenever it has been compared to other high performance sports cars from the 1970's and 80's by the motoring press, it is always the BMW which comes out on top.The bodywork was styled by Giugiaro's Ital Design with stunning compact two door coupe coachwork which accommodated two occupants and a mid-mounted six cylinder twin cam 24 valve BMW Motorsport engine with fuel injection.In this application, 277 bhp. was coaxed out of the superb engine allowing a maximum speed in excess of 160 mph. and a 0-60 mph. sprint in 5.5 seconds. Handling was viceless and reliability was excellent. Furthermore, levels of comfort were of a degree unheard of in a mid-engined supercar up till then. A one make race series was established for the car, know as the BMW Procar Championship, in which every grand prix pilot competed in an identically prepared car as a curtain raiser to each grand prix. Other examples were raced in Group 4 and 5 in endurance races and a specially prepared car contested the IMSA class at Le Mans.Today, the M1 has a deserved reputation as a truly great car, and something of a missed opportunity for BMW, who never really exploited its sales potential.Chassis number 339 presented here today is somewhat of a special example. Finished in Orange with Black interior this car is the last M1 road car ever to be produced. Described by the vendor as in excellent condition and as new in every way, the car has had just one owner from new and covered a stageringly low 18,000 Kilometers from new. This iconic supercar is supplied with UK registration documnet and ceretificate of road worthiness (MoT) and has also had a recent service. A true thoroughbred that will provide its new owner with undeniable motoring pleasure and excitment.Le compteur de cette voiture fabuleuse totalise seulement 18.000 km. Carrosserie orange, intrieur noir. Documents de circulation Britanniques.