BMW M1
1978 - 1981
When the BMW M1 was introduced in 1978 it was the first mid-engined BMW and went on to become one of the most iconic cars ever made. The M1 was created to be a racing car, and the road going version was necessary for homologation. BMW had hired Lamborghini to produce the cars, but numerous problems along the way forced BMW to take over the project completely. Powered by BMW's M88/1 straight six engine, the M1 achieved relative success on the racetrack. Only 453 examples were built (399 for the road, and 54 for racing).
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Overview
The BMW M1 is a car that resonates deeply in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts, embodying a unique fusion of artistic design and exhilarating performance. As BMW's first and only mid-engined sports car to date, the M1 holds a special place in the annals of automotive history, renowned for its racing heritage, distinctive design, and its pivotal role in the genesis of the BMW M GmbH. This blog post celebrates the BMW M1, exploring its legacy, design, and enduring appeal.
Developed in the late 1970s, the BMW M1 was born out of a collaboration between BMW and Lamborghini, although BMW eventually took over the entire project. The goal was clear: to create a powerful sports car that could compete on both the road and the race track. The result was a vehicle that not only pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering but also became a legend in its own right.
The design of the BMW M1, penned by the renowned automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, is a testament to the style and technological ambition of its era. Its wedge-shaped profile, gullwing doors, and the harmonious integration of its bumpers into the bodywork reflect a perfect blend of form and function, making it an instant classic. The M1's design is not just about aesthetics; it's a crucial element of its high-performance character, optimizing aerodynamics while embodying the essence of speed and agility.
At the heart of the M1 lies a 3.5-liter inline-six engine, specifically developed for this model. This powerplant is renowned for its remarkable power output, delivering 273 horsepower, which propelled the M1 from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, an impressive feat for its time. Coupled with a ZF five-speed manual gearbox, the M1 offered a driving experience that was both raw and refined, a testament to BMW's engineering prowess.
The BMW M1's legacy is inseparably connected to its motorsport heritage. The Procar BMW M1 Championship, a one-make series that supported Formula 1 races, saw the M1 being pushed to its limits by some of the world's best drivers. Beyond Procar, the M1 competed successfully in various international racing series, including the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours, cementing its reputation as a formidable race car.
The M1 is more than just a car; it's a milestone in BMW's history, marking the inception of the now-legendary BMW M GmbH. It set the stage for a lineage of high-performance vehicles, all bearing the distinctive "M" badge, synonymous with unparalleled performance, innovation, and driving pleasure. The M1's influence is evident in every subsequent M car, embodying the spirit of racing and the pursuit of automotive excellence.
Today, the BMW M1 is revered not only for its historical significance but also as a collector's dream. Its rarity, with only 453 units produced, combined with its groundbreaking design and engineering, has made it one of the most sought-after classic cars. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to encapsulate a momentous period in automotive history, representing a confluence of art, technology, and racing pedigree.
BMW M1 Basics
Manufacturer: BMW
Production: 1978 - 1981
Production: 453
Body style: 2-door coupe
Layout: Mid Engine, Rear Drive
Engine: 3.5 L M88 Inline 6
Trans: 5-speed manual
Wheelbase: 2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Length: 4,361 mm (171.7 in)
Width: 1,824 mm (71.8 in)
Height: 1,140 mm (44.9 in)
Curb weight: 1,300 kg (2,866 lb)
Did You Know
The M1 was BMW's first and only mass-produced mid-engine sports car, giving it exotic supercar vibes.
The M1 project was born from a collaboration with Lamborghini. However, production delays and financial troubles forced BMW to take the project in-house.
The BMW M1's finest racing moments came in the Procar Championship, a one-make series where Formula 1 stars battled it out in identical M1s.
"It's the car every kid of the '80s had on their wall. The M1 embodies the pure, unfiltered joy of supercars."
SportsCarDigest
Our Favorite BMW M1 Images
The BMW M1 remains a symbol of a bold era in automotive design and engineering, a beacon of innovation, and a cherished icon among enthusiasts. Its blend of artistic design, exhilarating performance, and a rich racing heritage has ensured its status as one of the most fascinating vehicles in the BMW portfolio.
"The M1 is the unicorn of BMWs. A glimpse of one in the wild is a true automotive treat."
VintageRoad&Race
