1981 BMW M1
Designed in Italy with a chassis developed by Lamborghini, the BMW M1 was a unique blend of German and Italian sports car philosophy. Made to compete in the FIA Group 4 class, the M1 competed head-to-head with BMW's in-country rival Porsche. Powered by a mid-mounted 3.5-liter inline six, only 453 M1s were built from 1978 to 1981 for homologation requirements. This 1981 M1 has had only two owners and came to the US in 1984. The car was prepared for display and sat for 25 years, before being brought back to running condition by BMW specialists The Werk Shop in Illinois. While it still needs a minor refresh to get it back to driving condition, this M1 is in excellent condition and one of the most exotic BMWs ever made.
Photos: James Lipman / Gooding & Co.
