See why the 1980 BMW M1 is way more prolific than many care to talk about today
The 1980 BMW M1 remains a fascinating yet often overlooked gem in the supercar realm. Originally conceived in the 1970s, BMW aimed to make a mark in Group-5 racing with a mid-engined sports car. To meet the homologation requirements, producing 400 road cars, BMW initially collaborated with Lamborghini.
This partnership was set to combine BMW’s engineering prowess with Lamborghini’s expertise in supercar design. The M1’s design was crafted by the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign, while the tubular space frame chassis was constructed by the respected Italian firm Dallara.
Moreover, by the late 1970s, BMW’s plans faced a major setback. Lamborghini, facing financial turmoil, diverted funds earmarked for the M1 into other projects, plunging itself into near bankruptcy. Consequently, BMW had to assume control of the M1’s production.
Adding to the challenges, changes in Group-5 regulations shifted BMW’s focus from Group-5 to Group-4 sports car racing. Despite this, the M1 project forged ahead with the help of Italian engineering, a firm established by a former Lamborghini employee. Located just 10 miles from Lamborghini’s headquarters in Sant’Agata, it was crucial in advancing the M1’s development.
The production process also involved a meticulous assembly line. The car’s fibreglass body and chassis were crafted by Italina Resina and Marchesi in Modena. Once the components were ready, they were sent to Italdesign in Turin for interior fitting.
On top of that, the nearly complete cars then travelled to Schrobenhausen, where Baur, a specialist in hand-built vehicles, carried out the final assembly. Under the sleek, aerodynamic body of the M1 lay a robust 3.5-litre DOHC straight-six engine, producing 273hp and about 330Nm of torque.
This power was channelled through a 5-speed ZF gearbox and a limited-slip differential, ensuring dynamic handling and performance. The engine’s design would later influence BMW’s E24 M635CSi/M6 and E28 M5 models. Ultimately, about 460 M1s were manufactured, with approximately 400 being road cars.
Despite its limited production and somewhat tumultuous history, the BMW M1 remains a standout in automotive history. Its unique blend of design, engineering, and racing pedigree makes it a forgotten supercar that continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors. These are just some reasons why this forgotten supercar should still be remembered.
