This 1980 BMW M1 is for Sale at $666,000

A late-production BMW M1—UK-registered, exhibiting 39,500 km, and completed in Nachtblau—has come up on the market. Registered on December 29, 1980, this M1 is described as one of many final vehicles off the manufacturing line, delivered new by the primary BMW concessionaires in Kontich, Belgium, earlier than starting a life that bounced throughout borders and into long-term collector possession.

One of many final M1s, in a shade you don’t see daily

The headline spec is precisely what you’d need it to be: Nachtblau gloss outdoors, a Black leather-based/Gray fabric inside inside, and people distinctive supercar proportions—low nostril, broad hips, and pop-up headlights that immediately date it to the very best period. Hero Motor Firm says this BMW M1 has been the cornerstone of its assortment for 15 years, and it’s now being provided manufacturing unit normal—the one caveat being the half-leather Motorsport seats, which they describe as a pricey improve. Additionally they declare the colour itself is an enormous a part of the enchantment: certainly one of 59 highway vehicles (and two race vehicles) completed in Nachtblau, a element that may matter to the individuals who preserve construct sheets within the nightstand drawer.

The automobile is claimed to retain its service books, workshop guide, software equipment, first support equipment, plus the radio and its guide—together with authentic BMW gross sales materials, together with some genuinely obscure gadgets: the baggage brochure, upholstery brochure, and a 1980 Motorsport accent catalogue.

The possession story reads like an M1 ought to

In response to the analysis included with the automobile, it was first registered to SA Multi European Associates in 1980—believed to be a leasing firm—suggesting the M1 started life as a senior government’s firm automobile. From there, the automobile modified arms a number of occasions, together with an proprietor in Quebec, Canada, who later relocated the M1 again to Switzerland. It will definitely ended up with one other collector and was displayed in his personal museum. He saved the automobile for 27 years and used it sparingly—usually on particular collector registration plates.

Probably the most attention-grabbing items of context within the file has nothing to do with horsepower or paint codes. It’s the reminder that the M1 was by no means formally offered within the UK, though UK consumers nonetheless discovered a method in. The itemizing claims vehicles had been marketed by BMW Motorsport as “ex works”, with consumers required to personally import them, and servicing meant to be carried out by BMW GB at Studying. It additionally underlines how absurdly costly the M1 was by the point it reached prospects. Factoring within the interval taxes—10% particular automobile tax and 17.5% VAT—the supposed “UK record value” labored out to £37,500, pegged as roughly £160,000 in at present’s cash.

On paper, each M1 is identical proposition: mid-engine structure, BMW’s legendary straight-six, wedge styling, Motorsport pedigree and low manufacturing numbers. However the market doesn’t value “M1” as a single factor. It costs situation, originality, completeness, and story. A automobile that stays near manufacturing unit spec, retains its service documentation, and nonetheless has the unique booklets and brochures will all the time command a excessive value. And this one is listed at £495,000. For pictures and particulars, go to HereMotorCompany.