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1981 BMW M1

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I’ve written up some cool M1s, but this one may take the cake even from the Procar-widebodies if for no other reason than this is the M1 you see in the history books. Orange on black with that badass cloth/leather interior is what the E26 is all about. Add to that the fact that it’s from the badass Canepa Collection and has just 3,300 miles, and this is a frickin’ museum piece. Or it could be… I’m a much bigger fan of cars that are used. I’d construct one of those viewing rooms which the internet has seen made for E30 M3s and Ferraris; I’d soak in the glorious orange like it was a Seasonal Affective Disorder light and bust this thing out a few times a year for some fun.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1981 BMW M1 at Canepa

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Year: 1981
Model: M1
Engine: 3.5 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 3,300 mi
Price: Inquire

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1981 BMW M1
VIN: WBS59910004301342

Engine #: M88-411
Full cosmetic restoration by Canepa
3300 original miles (5311 km)
Original engine
304th car built
Finish on 11.3.1980 by Baur
Original delivery to BMW Italia S.p.A., Palazzolo
Comes with original German sales brochure and Italian owners manual

With the low mileage, respectable seller, and desirable color, this most legit of M-cars will probably go for well over $300k. Guess I won’t be taking it out on the weekends after all… but I will drool all over the pictures.

-NR

2 Comments

  1. Joe
    Joe April 13, 2014

    Nice write-up Nate. Beautiful ride – no words to describe it!

    Heads up – looks like the last pic in your write-up are the seats from the 325i Touring…

  2. KevinR
    KevinR April 13, 2014

    About 18 years ago I had the opportunity to wander all around one of these on the showroom of Century BMW in Greenville, SC. They are amazing cars and I only wish there were some way I could afford one.

    I’ve always wondered: when a car has only 3,300 miles, why does it need a “full cosmetic restoration?”

    BTW, I know you guys are REALLY into them, but that E30 interior pic is absolutely out of place in this post.

Comments are closed.