Lot 242: BMW M1 Coupe

A proposed Group 5 ‘Silhouette Formula’ for production-based cars triggered the M1 programme in the mid-1970s, a mid-engined concept car designed in-house at BMW by Paul Bracq providing the basis. Ex-racing driver Jochen Neerpasch was responsible for initiating this ambitious project, whose aims included taking on rivals Porsche in the World Sportscar Championship and, ultimately, victory at Le Mans. M1 development was contracted first to Lamborghini and then to Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Ital Design, although almost all cars ended up being built by BMW in Germany. Giugiaro’s compact coupé bodywork in glassfibre was wrapped around a multi-tubular spaceframe chassis, while a twin-overhead-cam, four-valves-per-cylinder version of BMW’s 3.5-litre six, driving via a five-speed ZF transaxle, provided the motive power. The M1’s wedge-shaped coachwork proved highly efficient aerodynamically, needing very little in the way of additional spoilers and wings in race configuration. Lamborghini’s Gianpaolo Dallara was responsible for developing the suspension, which followed racing practice by using unequal-length wishbones at front and rear. Soberly trimmed in black and grey, the M1’s interior was exceptionally well equipped for a sports car, featuring Recaro seats, air conditioning, electric windows, remotely operated door mirrors and heated rear screen. First shown at the Paris Motor Show in 1978, the road-going version came with 277bhp and a top speed of 160mph. Only ever intended as a limited-edition model, the M1 ceased production after only 456 examples had been built, a minimum of 400 being required for homologation. In the event, the abandonment of the Group 5 Silhouette Formula robbed the car of its raison d’être, though the M1-only Procar Series run at Grand Prix races in 1980 and ’81 provided BMW Motorsport with a valuable showcase by way of consolation. This example was sold new in England to its first owner, who kept it for 20 years, and was registered by the current (second) owner in Monaco on 26th April 2000. Serviced in Cannes (no invoice), the car boasts a beautiful black leather interior and will be delivered with its Monaco papers and owner’s handbook. An important landmark in BMW’s history, and in particular of its involvement with motor sport in the post-war era, the M1 is already highly collectible and is surely destined to become increasingly sought after by discerning aficionados of the marque. Cet exemplaire a été vendu neuf en Angleterre à son premier propriétaire, qui l'a conservé vingt ans. Il a été ensuite immatriculé le 26 avril 2000 à Monaco par son deuxième et actuel propriétaire. Révisée à Cannes (pas de facture), la voiture offre une magnifique sellerie cuir noire et sera livrée avec ses documents d'immatriculation monégasques et son manuel d'instructions. Etape importante de l'histoire de BMW, et en particulier dans son implication dans le sport automobile pour la période d'après-guerre, la M1 offre un potentiel important comme voiture de collection. Elle est certainement appelée à être de plus en plus recherchée par les aficionados de la marque les plus visionnaires.