A STUNNING BMW M1 is set to sell for an eye-watering six-figure price – nearly 45 years after it rolled off the production line.
The iconic motor, described as a “muscular speed machine”, is one of just 453 made by the German brand – and this iteration is considered one of the best around.
mediadrumimagesThis stunning BMW M1 is currently available to buy[/caption]
mediadrumimagesThe iconic motor was built in 1980[/caption]
For sale via car auction site Bring a Trailer with its current bid at $325,000 – or roughly £255,000 – the awesome sports car boasts just 13,000 miles on the clock and comes in a striking finish of red, purple and blue.
According to a feature from Robb Report, this rare set of wheels “has been kept in tip-top shape since leaving the factory more than four decades ago” and that potential buyers will be “hard-pressed to find an M1 that looks as good as the example currently up for bid.”
The M1 model has an incredible history that’s born from competition racing.
First conceptualised in the 1970s, BMW partnered up with Lamborghini on the project after growing tired of losing to Porsche on the track.
Although the Italians were eventually forced to drop out because of financial difficulties, the finished M1 still sported the wedge shape drawn up by famed car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro.
The car was build between 1978 to 1981 with 453 examples rolled off the line, and came in a two-seat cabin covered in black leather, black louvers on the rear window and white 16-inch Campagnolo alloy wheels.
Robb Report added: “The M1 did more than just look good, though.
“M division chief Jochen Neerpasch insisted that it have a mid-engine layout to give it a leg up on the competition.
“Situated just in front of the rear axle was a 3.5-litre M88 inline-six with mechanical fuel injection.
“The potent mill was mated to a five-speed manual transmission and can churn out up to 273 horses and 243 ft lbs of twist, which was enough to allow it to reach a top speed of 165 mph when it was brand new.
“This example also would seem to be in impeccable shape.
“In addition to having just 13,000 miles on the odometer, it was also treated to a full mechanical and cosmetic refresh in 2017 by the current owner.”
The final price for the motor is expected to raise even further than its current bid.
Judging by auctions in August and September 2023, the same make and model sold for $478,000 and $582,500 respectively.
mediadrumimagesTopping 165mph, the sports motor was originally designed to compete with Porsche on the race track[/caption]
mediadrumimagesEach M1 came with a gorgeous black leather interior[/caption]