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BMW M1 3.5L inline 6-cylinder 1981

General description : 1981 BMW M1

VIN – WBS59910004301343
Engine No. – M88-382
Exterior Color – Orange
Interior Color – Black Leather
Engine – 3.5-Liter Inline Six-Cylinder
Transmission – 5-Speed Transaxle
Current Kilometers – 52,362 kms TMU
Current Owner – Purchased in 1983

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

According to the ownership register maintained by the BMW M1 Club this M1 was delivered new to the selling dealership Motor Import Ltd. BMW House, Dublin, Ireland Within a few years, this example was purchased in 1983 by the current long-term owner – a career engineer, entrepreneur, and inventor of laser optical systems and processes which have transformed modern laser technology. His passion for engineering and early successes in startup technology allowed him to purchase and own this M1 for a remarkable 41-years. Compelled by the engineering excellence in the innovative M1, the owner enjoyed driving and showing the car for several years before placing it in dry-climate storage. In December 2023, the owner arranged for the car to be carefully transported to marque experts at Phaedrus BMW, San Francisco, CA where it was thoughtfully recommissioned including a new battery, fresh fluids, all new fuses, new fuel hoses, two new fuel bellows, (fillers to tank), new gas pump relay, a new BMW M1 fuel pump and relay, new filters, spark plugs, and various coolant hoses. After testing the operational features, services continued as necessary rare parts were procured including installing a new water pump, new thermostat, new gaskets, a new oil switch, a new accessory belt, and a brake fluid flush. A set of Continental Extreme Sport 205/55 16 front and 225/50 16 rear tires were installed, all four wheels balanced, and four-wheel alignment performed. Upon completion, the engine compression was tested warm returning the following numbers: 130/130/130/130/130/125.

Current Condition

Today this M1 presents in excellent condition representative of long-term ownership preservation and recent professional refurbishment by BMW specialists. Reference information provided by the BMW M1 Club confirm the VIN and original engine number M88-382, both of which are consistent with original presentation. The distinctive M1 factory orange paint retains smooth gloss with only minor evidence of use when viewing closely as seen on the front fascia. The correct factory front bumper and grill opening are in excellent condition including the pop-up headlight doors, marker lights, and distinctive BMW kidney grill openings. The left rear quarter panel has a keyed anti-theft device likely installed under prior ownership. The original brand-etched side glass, windshield, lighting, emblems, lenses, are all in excellent condition. The uniquely ventilated M1 wheels wear their original finish recently fitted with a new set of Continental Extreme Sport tires. Other exceptional features include satin black rear hatch side vents, rear window louvers, and satin black rocker panels, some of which display oxidation as might be expected from original finishes. Every aspect of the car reflects the exceptional care and preservation afforded by the long-term owner over the past 41 years.

The interior is in excellent condition, surprisingly so as all features appear original throughout the car. The black leather seats, dashboard, factory grey carpets, and various trim show only very minor evidence of age, all of which should be considered typical of modest use as seen in preservation-based vehicles. The door panels and center console also retain excellent finishes. To BMW enthusiasts of this ear, much of the interior will appear comfortably familiar including the gear shift, door handles, and instrument layout. The interior delivers a high-quality feel and simple practicality that defined sports car design prior to digital technology. These tactile and engaging features are all the more enjoyable given how well this example has been preserved. The trunk carpet is in excellent condition including the spare tire and spare tire cover, and the rear engine lid struts hold position when the lid is opened to view the impressive M-series engine.

The engine compartment is remarkably nice. The carefully preserved mechanical details reveal further support of continued long-term preservation and sensitive refurbishment this car has enjoyed under original and current ownership. The factory original M88-382 stamped engine features correctly finished factory components, correct black paint on the valve cover, correct airbox, and BMW supplied replacement parts for recently replaced coolant hoses, fuel hoses, new water pump, fuel pump, and other features to support smooth engine operation. The impressive equal length headers lightly hued from use, indicative of the engine’s legendary competition heritage. The front storage compartment further supports the exceptional care and preservation, with excellent mechanical components, factory finishes, and preserved original features. The underside of the car exhibits further evidence supporting the mileage and indoor storage including correct alloy suspension components, correct engine features, and a factory correct exhaust. There is no visual evidence of structural compromise to the floor pan or suspension mounting points.

The M1, while beautiful and well regarded by enthusiasts, is even more of a pleasure to drive. The impressive power is very manageable even under general use. Considering the M1 was built at a time when supercars were forgiven their often-unpredictable needs in exchange for their powerful presence, the balance achieved in the M1 allows enthusiasts the pleasure of driving their cars. This M1 starts easily, idles smoothly, and pulls cleanly through the rev range. Power builds in a linear fashion as the in-line six encourages drivers to explore the power band. The gearbox is excellent, with well-defined shift gates, great actuation, and very good synchromesh. The dogleg shift pattern allows for second gear downshifts and easy upshifts to freeway speeds. The steering is precise and manageable, the chassis is composed and long-range driving proves to be comfortable even for taller drivers. Please note that the odometer is currently not functional when the car is driven. It is not known when the odometer stopped working but the owner suggests that only minimal additional miles may have accumulated since the tumblers stopped rotating.

This is a rare opportunity for a sports car enthusiast to acquire a beautifully preserved, matching numbers example of one of the finest performance cars of the 1980s. Offering technical sophistication, rarity, and uniquely inspired Italian design, every legendary BMW Motorsport offering owes their history to this seminal M-series supercar. With documented history, originality, and one of just 399 built for road use, this preservation grade M1 will continue to serve as an iconic reminder of the visceral analog driving experience perfectly captured by BMW.

Included with this M1

This M1 is accompanied by a set of floor mats. Factory first aid kit, BMW safety triangle in factory case, a spare 18” wiper blade, copies of various period articles collected by the current long-term owner, and various small misc. parts.

1981 BMW M1 3.5L inline 6-cylinder is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in California by Fantasy Junction for $550000.

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