Ultra-Rare BMW M1 from the 1980s: A Timeless Supercar with Only 453 Ever Made

Racing Heirloom - In the world of high-performance cars, few names spark as much curiosity and admiration as BMW's M division. While today’s enthusiasts may associate BMW M Series with modern beasts like the M3 or M5, the story began with something far more exotic. Among the rarest creations to ever carry the Bavarian badge is the BMW M1 — a mid-engined marvel born in the late 1970s and produced through the early 1980s. Though the automotive world has seen countless supercars come and go, the M1 stands apart, not just for its performance, but for its unlikely origin story and enduring rarity.

Super-rare 1981 BMW M1, one of three to ever be painted in its Polaris Silver paint job. (Picture from: BMWBlog)

What makes the M1 so intriguing isn’t just its stunning design or the thrilling driving experience, but the path it took from concept to reality. The BMW M1 was the brand’s first—and still only—mid-engined production sports car, the M1 was initially designed by Italian master Giorgetto Giugiaro and intended for Group 4 racing homologation. To turn the concept into reality, BMW teamed up with Lamborghini, hoping to tap into the Italian marque’s expertise with mid-engine layouts. But when financial troubles hit Lamborghini, BMW was forced to take control of the project, ultimately completing production with support from German specialist Baur.

Interior view of 1981 BMW M1. (Picture from: BMWBlog)

The BMW M1 is equipped with a 3.5-liter inline-six engine delivering 277 horsepower and 330 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds. With a top speed of 265 km/h, it was the fastest German production car of its time — and its performance still holds up remarkably well today. The engine, known as the M88, would go on to become the foundation for BMW’s high-performance powertrains, later powering models like the BMW M635i and the first-generation BMW M5.

The BMW M1 is equipped with a 3.5-liter inline-six engine delivering 277 horsepower and 330 Nm of torque. (Picture from: id.Motor1)

With only 453 units ever produced, the M1 remains a true unicorn among collectors. Even more exclusive are those finished in Polaris Silver, like the one pictured here — a color applied to just three cars in total. The first was a prototype, the third was custom-built for Formula One magnate Bernie Ecclestone, and the second — bearing VIN 4301424 — has drawn renewed attention over the years thanks to its exceptional condition and impressively low mileage.

Rear view of 1981 BMW M1. (Picture from: BMWBlog)

Back in 2015, this particular 1981 M1 surfaced in Germany with a price tag that raised eyebrows — listed for a staggering $965,000. At the time, it was an astonishing amount, but today, as vintage car markets have matured and rare models appreciate, such a figure doesn’t seem quite as shocking. With only 17,500 kilometers (10,873 miles) on the odometer, this M1 stood as a snapshot in time, perfectly preserved from an era when BMW dared to build a supercar unlike anything before or since. | cwuLWnh7lvY |

Now, years later, the 1981 BMW M1 isn’t just a collector’s item — it's a symbol of ambition, collaboration, and a brief but unforgettable moment in BMW’s storied legacy. For those who understand what it represents, the M1 is more than a car; it's a testament to vision, resilience, and the art of engineering. Whether or not it finds another home, one thing’s for certain: the legend of the M1 continues to shine brighter with every passing year. Have you ever seen one in person, or is it still a dream car on your list? *** [EKA [12072015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BMWBLOG | ID.MOTOR1 | MOTORTREND ]

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