A Fully Restored BMW M1 Highlights Worldwide Auctioneers' Auburn Sale

Motorious

August 25, 2023 at 9:30 AM·3 min read

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A Rare Supercar Gem Restored to Perfection.

The BMW M1 is more than just a car; it's a statement in automotive history and a symbol of engineering and design mastery. With only 453 examples ever produced, the M1 isn't just a car; it's an experience that has been brought back to life in one of the finest restored specimens available.

History and Development

This particular example represents the zenith of BMW's Motorsport division, an audacious vision that became a reality thanks to a blend of German engineering and Italian artistry. Jochen Neerpasch, director of BMW's Motorsport division in the 1970s, envisioned a mid-engine race car that would become the standard bearer for performance. He sought the expertise of Lamborghini for the chassis development and Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign for the car’s aesthetics. The end product was a machine that packed a 3.5-liter, straight-six engine, churning out a robust 274 horsepower, married to a five-speed manual gearbox.

The Restoration Journey

Dennis Collins, renowned for his popular YouTube Channel "Coffee Walk," took on the herculean task of restoring this M1. With over 3,000 meticulous hours spread across multiple years, the car has been reborn. The restoration was achieved using New Old Stock (NOS) parts directly sourced from BMW. Even components that were not readily available were custom-manufactured to exact specifications by BMW in Germany.

This car retains its original mileage of just over 11,000 miles, and each element, down to the smallest detail, has been brought back to its original glory. Whether it's the pristine original interior or the mid-engine powertrain fitted with a new tubing system, everything has been cared for with an obsessive level of detail.

Aesthetics and Specifications

The M1 comes in its original color, complemented by a meticulously refinished black beltline, trim, and rivets. The powertrain alone could grace the halls of a world-class showroom, and the vehicle's systems, down to the vented disc brakes and control arms with coil springs for suspension, have been restored or replaced as needed.

A Labor of Love

The restoration of this BMW M1 has truly been a labor of love. It's evident in every cadmium- or zinc-plated component, every restored control arm, and every coil spring. The car not only serves as a showcase of what is technically possible but also stands as a testament to the passion that car enthusiasts bring to the table when reviving such iconic machines.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

This car isn't just rare; it's a work of art, history, and engineering rolled into one. It represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a part of automotive history, painstakingly restored to probably the finest condition you'll find anywhere in the world.

So, if you're an enthusiast looking for a crown jewel for your collection, look no further. This 1980 BMW M1 is not just a car; it's a slice of automotive history that you can actually own, drive, and cherish.

For all those enthusiasts and collectors eager to buy and sell great cars this summer, the road leads right back to Auburn, Indiana, the original “Classic Car Capital of the World” and birthplace of the collector car auction industry in America.

The next catalogue sale, also the industry’s next catalogue sale in North America, the Auburn Auction, will take place August 31 – September 2, 2023 at our Indiana headquarters. To be presented as a simultaneous live and online event for collector car enthusiasts and aficionado to enjoy.