1981 BMW M1 - Original Owner

OVERVIEW

SBX Cars is proud to offer for sale this 1981 BMW M1 showing just 13,624 km (8,465 mi) on the odometer at the time of cataloging. Finished in blue over a black leather and checkered fabric cabin, this legendary mid-engine Bavarian exotic is not to be missed. 

It was in 1972 that Jochen Neerpasch joined BMW and created the Motorsports division, a division that would go on to create all manner of famed M cars. But right out of the gate, the M1 stole the show with a straight-6 BMW engine, sharp wedge lines from Giorgetto Giugiaro, and early development by Lamborghini. 

The result of a homologation effort by BMW to compete with Porsche in Group 5 racing, only 400 street-legal M1s were produced between 1978 and 1981. It’s a BMW like no other, one of the most exotic mid-engine cars the German automaker has ever built with that ultra-low height, slatted rear end, and race-bred powertrain. 

As it wasn’t officially imported to the US, the M1 is the definition of forbidden fruit and the gorgeous blue example up for sale today takes it a step further. Never federalized for US usage, it retains all the original European specs and has been under the stewardship of the same family since day one.

The seller’s father purchased the car new in October 1981 while living in South Africa. Said to be 1 of just 6 examples shipped to the country, this particular example was finished in the current shade of blue at the time. However, according to the seller’s father, BMW notes it left the factory painted orange. This original color can be seen coming through in small areas including near the driver-side rear wheel.

Other notable features include the factory-original tires that remain on the car and the M1’s journey through Switzerland, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand over the years, moving along with its owner.

NOTABLE COMMENTARY

• “...every driver deserves a turn at the wheel of what is probably the best fast car ever built.” - Car and Driver

• “Some things happen only once in the automotive world, a spark of brilliance never to be duplicated. The BMW M1 is one of those occurrences.” - Motor Trend

SPECIFICATIONS & OPTIONS

This 1981 BMW M1 is powered by a 3.5L straight-6 rated for 277 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed manual transaxle routes power to the rear wheels with a limited-slip differential. Additional features below:

Exterior

• Blue finish
• Original staggered-width Campagnolo alloy wheels measuring 16” x 7” front and 16” x 8” rear
• Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires measuring 205/55 front and 225/50 rear
• Front spoiler
• Pop-up headlights
• Vented hood
• Mono wiper
• Louvered rear window
• Vented rear quarter panels
• Dual rear-mounted BMW roundels 
• Twin-tip exhaust

Interior 

• Black leather seats with checkered cloth inserts, a design that extends to the door panels, rear bulkhead, and headliner
• Leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel with BMW roundel center
• Analog instrument panel with gauges for oil pressure, oil temperature, fuel level, and coolant temperature
• 9,000-rpm tachometer and 280 km/h speedometer with odometer reading 13,624 km
• Stitched leather-wrapped dashboard
• Air-conditioning
• Power windows and side mirrors
• Blaupunkt stereo with cassette deck, equalizer, door-mounted components, and center-mounted subwoofers
• Beige carpeting with black and white floor mats
• Carpeted trunk with covered spare

Mechanical

• 3.5L M88 twin-cam straight-6 with Kugelfischer-Bosch fuel injection, Magneti-Marelli ignition, individual throttle bodies, and dry-sump lubrication
• Factory rated for 277 hp at 6,500 rpm and 243 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm
• ZF 5-speed manual transaxle
• Limited-slip rear differential
• Unequal-length double wishbone suspension 
• Front and rear anti-sway bars
• Four-corner ventilated disc brakes measuring 11.8” front and 11.7” rear
• Unassisted rack-and-pinion steering

SERVICE HISTORY

This 1981 BMW M1 has been maintained by the family’s personal mechanic in Florida and is currently stored in Miami.

OWNERSHIP HISTORY & PROVENANCE

This 1981 BMW M1 was sold new to the seller’s father in South Africa on October 19, 1981. The car then moved with the family to Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, and New Zealand. In 2012, this M1 was imported to the US.

It is currently stored in a bubble in Miami, Florida and comes with a US title. It was never federalized and, according to a prior Auctions America inspection specialist, the original engine number M88-432 is fitted along with original rear louvers stamped with the last 3 digits of the chassis number.

The seller is currently working to obtain a BMW Birth Certificate for the car.

NOTED IMPERFECTIONS

This 1981 M1 was delivered in orange and repainted in its current blue finish. The original color can be seen coming through in small areas including on the rocker panel near the driver-side rear wheel. Minor driver’s seat bolster wear is also documented in the gallery along with underbody condition. 

INCLUDED IN THE SALE

• Factory tool roll
• Spare with jack
• First aid kit
• M1 Luggage
• Owner’s manual
• M1 sales literature
• 2 keys
• Sunglasses with case
• Sydney Classic Car Show framed memorabilia

SUMMARY

Blending exotic Italian design with German engineering prowess, the BMW M1 remains a pillar of automotive excellence more than 40 years since it debuted. It’s easily one of the most famous sports cars of the era and thanks to its rarity, is as exclusive today as it was in the 1970s. 

Today’s 1981 M1 is all the more special thanks to stewardship by a single family from day one and incredible attention to keeping the car all original. With ultra-low mileage and a handsome exterior finish, this legendary BMW is a stunner.

As part of the consignment process, SBX Cars requests a range of information from the seller pertaining to the subject of their offering. The auction listing description therefore is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. However, it is the responsibility of a potential buyer to satisfy themself as to the accuracy of the auction listing description. This includes conducting an in-person inspection, which may be arranged between the buyer and seller, as well as verifying the condition, authenticity, value, and title before committing to bid or buy. Please see our Terms of Service for full details.