| Year: | 1979 |
| Colour: | Dark Blue |
| Transmission: | Manual |
| Steering: | LHD |
| Engine size: | 3,453cc |
| Price: | 335000 |
1979 BMW M1 For Sale in London
277 bhp, 3,453 cc M88 DOHC inline six-cylinder engine with Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection, five-speed manual transmission, front and rear dual A-arm independent suspension with coil springs, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 100.8 in.
- One of only 399 road-going examples
- Originally used as a press vehicle for BMW
- Rare original full-leather interior
- Fitted with correct alloy wheels with new tyres
- Air Conditioning
- Recaro Seats
The first of the now famous M-cars from BMW’s prestigious Motorsport division, the M1 began a legacy of many memorable M cars to come. It was also the first mid-engine BMW to go into production, the M1’s 24-valve twin-cam six also powered the late-’80s M5 sedan and M6 coupe.
The motivation to build the M1 came from racing and a set of regulations prompted by the new Group Five in 1976. BMW found its ageing CSLs losing against Porsche’s incredible new 935, and to beat them, BMW needed a mid-engined chassis to fit its twin-cam 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine. To meet the race criteria BMW needed to manufacture 400 cars.
Styling came courtesy of Italdesign, created by the famous automobile designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. Road cars were equipped with BMW’s 277-horsepower M88 six-cylinder engine, which featured a twin-cam head with chain drive, four valves per cylinder, a forged alloy crank, Kugelfischer-Bosch Indirect fuel injection, and an electronic ignition by Marelli— this was pretty serious hardware for the mid-’70s.
Eventually, BMW built 450 M1s, of which about 50 were pure racing machines while the others were beautifully equipped road cars.
Our M1, finished in a rare and beautiful Dark Blue, is listed on the M1 Register as a press vehicle used by BMW for promotions and displays. It was supplied new with a rare, full black leather interior (most other M1’s were supplied with cloth and leather combination) and was used by BMW until 1981. Subsequently it has been the property of a single collector for the past 25 years. The car is fitted with new tyres on correct factory wheels, along with the correct spare, tool kit, and copy of the owner’s manual.
Now eminently collectible, The M1 is a very usable classic super car with tremendous presence and engaging road holding.
The BMW M1 is available for viewing at the DD Classics Dealership in London, please call to book an appointment.
