One to Buy: 2700km from new 1981 BMW E26 M1
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Although the E26 M1 project ultimately proved something of a nightmare for BMW management, it yielded the firm’s most spectacular vehicle yet.
Conceived as the basis upon which BMW would challenge Porsche in Group 4 and 5 competition, the M1’s troubled gestation (largely down to a collaboration with crisis-hit Lamborghini) meant the E26 never fulfilled its promise on track.
BMW also found the M1 difficult to sell; some unregistered cars sat around in dealer lots for a couple of years before they were eventually sold at a substantial discount.
Fast forward 40 years and things have changed dramatically. Alongside the 507 (which itself took the company perilously close to bankruptcy) the M1 is regarded as the ultimate expression of BMW’s workmanship.
Currently on offer at the Canepa showroom in Scotts Valley, California, is one of the lowest mileage, most original M1s in existence.
Configured in the trademark M1 colour of Arctic White, this one owner 1981 example was purchased from BMW Italia by a German collector who has retained it ever since. In that time, the car (chassis 4301449) has covered just 2718km – equivalent to a mere 1689 miles.
Since its arrival at Canepa, this quite incredible M1 has been subject to a concours level detailing and comprehensive mechanical overhaul.
It must now rank as arguably the best unrestored example of BMW’s ultimate driving machine.
