The BMW M1 stands as a revered sports car, attainable by only a select few due to its limited production. BMW crafted just 399 units for the road during its manufacturing run from 1978 to 1981, and today, acquiring one demands a considerable investment. For those with the means, RM Sotheby’s is set to auction a remarkable specimen on March 1st.
Listed as one of merely three M1s finished in silver Polaris metallic, this particular model boasts an exceptional exterior. Inside, it is believed to retain its original cabin, featuring black leather seats adorned with fabric inserts.
Constructed by BMW on February 23, 1981, this M1 found its initial home at an authorized BMW dealer in France on March 27, 1981. Its journey continued to Japan in 1983, where it resided until 2006 when it was exported to Belgium.
Eventually, it made its way to the United States in 2016, having undergone some necessary repairs before its arrival.
Notably, in 2013, the car underwent a clutch replacement, followed by a factory-correct repaint a year later, meticulously executed by the founder of the BMW M1 club. Although its odometer has been replaced, the vehicle has accumulated fewer than 10,688 miles in total.
Under the hood lies a potent 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine, delivering 273 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. With such power, the coupe can achieve a top speed of 162 miles per hour.
Accompanying the car is a BMW Classic certificate verifying its specifications, along with its original M1-branded suitcase, manuals, tool kit, and copies of photos documenting its time in Japan and Europe. RM Sotheby’s projects a sale price between $750,000 and $950,000.
