Filed under: Time Warp, Videos, Supercars, BMW

BMW’s performance division has made such a name for itself that the letter M has become synonymous with high-performance German sedans and coupes. But the vehicle that started it all was about as Italian as any Teutonic sports car could ever be: a low-slung, mid-engined machine designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro’s ItalDesign and built in cooperation with Lamborghini as a homologation special.

The only mid-engine BMW ever made, the roadgoing M1 featured the naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter 279hp twin-cam six later used in the 635CSi and M5. Like a great many short-lived supercars, we have homologation regulations to thank for the M1’s existence: 456 examples were built between 1978 and 1981 in order to qualify for Group 5 competition.

Although the turbocharged 850-horsepower version was never a great success in Group 5 racing, it was later entered in the Procar series in support of Formula One races in the late seventies, in which a Marlboro-sponsored Niki Lauda took the title in 1979. The M1 went on to win the IMSA GTO title in 1981.

Follow the jump to check out the video action.

[Source: Carscoop]

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW M1

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Filed under: Supercars, BMW

As BMW’s only foray into the mid-engine configuration, the iconic M1 is a rare and revered sports car. Only 455 were built between 1978 and 1981, after the supercar was developed as a homologation special to meet production requirements for competition eligibility in Group 5 sports car races. While FIA rule changes initially kept the cars out of Group 5, BMW launched the M1 Procar series to give them a place to play in the meantime. The Procar races ran in support of Formula 1 events.

One roadgoing example of the M1 Procar styling is currently up for sale on eBay. Modified by German tuner, Styling Garage, it features the Procar flared fenders and spoiler, increased power output, and custom BBS wheels. According to an article on SpeedBrigade.com, the Styling Garage M1 appeared at the Palm Beach Supercar Weekend back in 2006, where it was then up for sale by the Motorcar Gallery. Now it is listed with Driver Source in Texas and the current asking price is set at $135,000. We can think of far worse ways to spend that amount of cash. Now, where’s that eBay login of ours… Thanks for th tip Zachary!

[Source: eBay]

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