The BMW M1 introduced BMW’s M Division to road-going performance, pairing mid-engine architecture with Giugiaro styling and an unusual Italy-to-Germany production process that shaped this rare, motorsport-born icon.

Mechanically, the M1 featured the M88 3.5-liter inline-six, a high-revving unit with mechanical fuel injection and dry-sump lubrication. It was paired with a 5-speed ZF manual gearbox that sent the power to the rear wheels. The tubular space-frame chassis provided exceptional rigidity, and double-wishbone suspension at each corner gave the M1 remarkable balance. Ventilated disc brakes completed the system, producing road behavior that set the foundation for decades of M Division engineering philosophy.

Only 453 production cars were built, making it one of BMW’s rarest models. Out of the 453, 399 were road going units while 53 were made for motorsport.