1980 | BMW M1

Registration number: BM-10-06

The BMW M1 is without a doubt one of the most extraordinary models in the brand’s history. It remains the first and only true mid-engine supercar BMW ever produced, developed in the late 1970s with a singular purpose: to secure Munich’s sporting prestige in the FIA Group 5 championship. At a time when brands like Porsche and Ferrari dominated the field, BMW aimed for the top — and the M1 was the bold result. Radical in design, advanced in engineering, and now a true icon.

What makes this particular BMW M1 stand out is its unique place in history: it is the third M1 ever built and, according to factory records, the first street-legal version used by BMW for training sessions and promotional events before being sold to its first private owner.

Originally delivered from the factory in striking Inka Orange, the color perfectly complements Giorgetto Giugiaro’s bold and angular design. Initially used by BMW as a service training car, this very car was later sold to Alf Gebhardt, a former BMW works driver and Procar participant. His ties to BMW Motorsport add an extra layer of historical significance. He drove the car sparingly, averaging only about 1,000 kilometers a year.

The car then spent over 30 years with its second owner, an avid collector of rare BMWs. To this day, the odometer shows just 22,000 kilometers. Its condition is truly remarkable: the paint is original and in exceptional shape, the interior remains virtually untouched, and original items such as the tool roll and first aid kit are still present.

Mechanically, the car is equally impressive. The 3.5-liter inline-six features dual overhead camshafts and Bosch Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection, delivering roughly 277 horsepower through a ZF manual gearbox. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and tops out at over 160 mph. These were world-class numbers in the late '70s — and they still command respect today.

Production of the M1 was famously complex. Lamborghini was originally contracted to build the car, but after financial issues arose, Baur in Stuttgart took over. Bodies were assembled in Italy, final assembly was done in Germany, and delivery took place at BMW headquarters in Munich. Only 399 road cars were ever produced.

Owning a BMW M1 is already a rare privilege. But finding an unmolested, unrestored example with low mileage, a fully documented history, and a spot among the earliest production cars? That is nothing short of exceptional. A true blue-chip collector’s item with museum pedigree — and still a thrill to drive.

Interested in this once-in-a-lifetime supercar? Get in touch with Gallery Aaldering today. Active since 1975, we export vehicles worldwide. Ask us about the possibilities.