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BMW M1 3.5L inline 6-cylinder 1980

General description : 1980 BMW M1

VIN – WBS59910004301214
Exterior Color – Alpine White with W. Maurer Livery
Interior Color – Blue Leather
Engine – 3.5-Liter Inline Six-Cylinder
Transmission – 5-Speed Transaxle
Current Kilometers – 20,235 kms
Current Owner – Purchased in 2016
Kilometers Driven by Owner – Approx. 100 kms

General Overview

Among the more fascinating sports cars produced in the history of BMW, the M1 is by far one of the most unique cars ever developed. Arriving at a time when the automobile industry desperately needed a boost from the late 70s/early 80s doldrums, this true supercar had all the trappings to make it a success. The term “world car” could aptly be applied to the M1 as the body design was penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the space frame by Gianpaolo Dallara and built by Marchesi, with hand-built production in Italy. Though initially developed jointly with Lamborghini, the project was hastily taken in house by BMW when Lamborghini was unable to fulfill commitments due to internal financial problems. As a result, the final production cars integrated top-tier Italian-bred performance with Bavarian comfort features combining the latest in automotive technology.

Key to the concept, the mid-engine M88 engine was outfitted with dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, one throttle body per cylinder, tubular headers, and dry sump lubrication. It was among the most powerful naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines available at the time. True to the initial directive to develop the M1 as a Group 5 and later Group 4 car, competition variants were extensively raced in the Procar series, the World Sports Car Championship, and European Touring Car Championship. These F1 support races were quite successful as marketing tools including impressive launch press when Nikki Lauda won the inaugural year race in 1979, which was followed by Nelson Piquet in 1980. By any measure the M1 was a success, returning 0-60 times of 5.4 seconds, offering exceptional braking, and world class handling. More importantly, the M1 signaled to the world that BMW was quite capable of building high performance cars capable of competing in the Super Car category. As such, every M series production car built after the M1 owes their success to these groundbreaking cars. With just 453 examples constructed, 399 of which were street cars, the M1 remains one of the most sought-after collectable performance cars of the modern sports car era.

History of this M1

This example was assembled in June 1980 and delivered to the first European owner. Reportedly delivered to F1 legend Niki Lauda, the white over blue leather example was painted with the distinctive Walter Maurer “Motorsport” signature livery, though there is no documentation supporting Lauda’s ownership or the Motorsport livery as a factory applied feature. The car was sold to the second owner, followed by subsequent import to North America by John J. Schmidt as indicated on the Federal Motor Vehicle confirmation label affixed to the inner door jamb. This M1 was purchased in 2016 by the current owner, a motorsports and sports car collector. Under current ownership, the car has always been properly stored indoors as part of a large collection of premium performance cars. The owner has elected to use it sparingly, preserving the original finishes and mechanical integrity, showing it at the 2017 Hillsborough Concours d‘Elegance.

Shortly after purchase, January 2017, the current owner engaged experts at Burlingame Motors, Burlingame, CA to service the car on a cost-no-object basis. Focusing on mechanical services and cosmetic preservation of as many original parts as possible, all fluids were flushed and filled, filters replaced, a new exhaust manifold and valve cover gaskets installed, new front and rear brake hoses installed, new sway bar links installed, and suspension springs and shocks removed for powder coating. Additionally, all four brake calipers were removed, cleaned, and professionally rebuilt, the exhaust system was removed for refinishing, the fuel gauge rebuilt, and various other engine compartment details visually improved through a careful combination of preservation and refurbishment as needed. This invoice totaled over $27,000.00.

Work continued freshening the exterior visual presentation in March 2017 with cosmetic paint detailing, new engine heat shields, cosmetic rear bumper surface and repaint, and selective touch up for paint chips performed by Pimentel Innovations, Hayward, CA. The car returned to Burlingame Motors in July 2017 for further detailing and services including the reinstallation of the reupholstered leather center console and door panels, radio and door speaker installation, radiator compartment detailing, and new sun visor brackets. In 2017, Burlingame Motors recorded a compression test indicating 1) 178, 2) 178, 3) 182, 4) 182, 5) 181, 6) 184.

Current Condition

Today this M1 presents in excellent cosmetic condition representative of preservation and selective refurbishment by specialists. The paintwork has beautiful smooth gloss with no major flaws or notable road chips on the front facing surfaces. The deep angled Procar series front air dam is in excellent condition offering aggressive under-bumper air intake through the deep opening. The forward tricolor M series paint accent echoes the broad rear flanked colors which continues over the engine compartment, boldly finishing the driver’s side door and rear quarter panel. This striking graphic is both stunning and effective, giving the car a sense of motion even when sitting still. The original brand-etched side glass, windshield, lighting, emblems, lenses, and unique M1 wheels are all in excellent condition. The flat dish slotted wheels are painted to match the body, accented by satin black wheel centers which continue the theme in the grille, rear hatch side vents, and rear window louvers. Every aspect of the car is poised, balanced, and precise with remarkable construction considering 45 years have lapsed since the initial designs were penned.

The interior is in excellent condition, presenting a handsome combination of original finishes and sensitively restored areas. The blue leather seats, dashboard, matching blue carpets, and various trim show minor evidence of age in a few areas including the driver side footwell, driver’s seat bolster, and upright radio console area, all of which are typical of modest use on original finishes. The door panels and center console have been refurbished in correct matching materials. The interior details are captivating and reveal the advanced nature of the M1, yet comfortably familiar to anyone who’s owned a BMW from this era including the gear shift, door handles, and instrument layout. The interior has a high-quality feel that is surprising given the timeframe of the build and how well this example has been preserved. The trunk carpet is in excellent shape including the spare tire and spare tire cover, rubber weather seal, and assorted factory accessories included with the car.

The engine compartment is very tidy, and the various details reveal further support of continued long-term preservation and sensitive refurbishment this car has enjoyed under current and former ownership. The engine itself is extremely clean, with correctly finished factory components, correct black paint on the valve cover, airbox, and other accessories. The impressive equal length headers are delightful to see on a factory specification production car, indicative of the engine’s legendary competition heritage. The front compartment further supports the exceptional care and preservation, with excellent mechanical components, factory finishes, and exceptional presentation. The underside of the car exhibits further evidence supporting the careful care and preservation, including excellent alloy suspension components, correct engine features, a factory correct exhaust, and correctly contoured satin black aerodynamic pans. There is no visual evidence of structural compromise to the floor pan or suspension mounting points.

This M1 is a pleasure to drive and is both impressive under power and docile under general use. Considering the era of this build, the M1 delivers power and usability at a time when supercars were accepted for their quirks in exchange for their powerful presence. Yet the balance achieved here, while extraordinary for the times, remains a welcomed feature for enthusiasts who enjoy driving their cars. The car starts easily, idles smoothly, and pulls cleanly through the rev range. Power builds in a linear fashion, with no surprises even when pressing into higher revs. The in-line six delivers consistent pull allowing drivers to enjoy the entire power band. The gearbox is excellent, with well-defined shift gates, great actuation, and very good synchromesh. The dogleg shift pattern allows for straightforward second gear downshifts and delightful runs up to freeway speeds. The steering is precise and of manageable weight, particularly once underway. The chassis is composed and tight, providing a surprisingly comfortable ride suitable for regular use. Even though the M1 was developed specifically for racing duty, the overall balance and feel makes it one of the most exciting and usable supercars of this era.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a beautifully preserved example of a significant, desirable, and sought-after sports car. This M1 offers technical sophistication, rarity, and low miles. The grandfather of all M series cars, every legendary BMW Motorsport offering owes their history to this premier supercar. With documented history, originality, and one of 399 built for road use, this preservation grade M1 is sure to deliver all the driving joy of the M series combining the unique distinction of Italian design and Bavarian engineering excellence.

Included with this M1

This M1 is accompanied by a set of tools, some books, tool roll with tools, first aid kit, warning triangle, various promotional literature and period magazines, and a reprinted copy of the BMW M1 owner’s manual.

1980 BMW M1 3.5L inline 6-cylinder is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in California by Fantasy Junction for Not priced.

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