Although BMW had been racing for years on end, it wasn’t until the BMW M1 E26 was released that they had a real deal.
The BMW M1 E26 sports car was first brought to the scene in the late 1970s remaining until 1981, and was the first mid-engined BMW to be mass-produced, with a total of 435 on the market.
In the late 70s Lamborghini and BMW made an agreement to build a production-racing car in sufficient quantity for homologation.
However, the collaboration didn’t go as planned and BMW were deterred by conflicts with the arrangement, prompting them to develop themselves.
Public response was nothing short of popular, reassuring BMW made the right move in the development of this vehicle.
The M1 has become one of BMW most sought-after classic cars the company has produced.
The BMW M1 E26 has a twin-cam M88/1 3.5 L six-cylinder petrol engine, with Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection.
Hand-built between 1978 and 1981 under the motorsport division of BMW for sports car racing.
Giorgetto Giugiaro, an Italian automobile designer, widely recognised as one of the finest car designers, was the man behind the body of the BMW M1.
Apparently Giugiaro was inspired by the 1972 BMW Turbo show car hence the design concept.
Originally, Lamborghini was commissioned by BMW to work the vehicles chassis, assemble prototypes and manufacture the vehicles –this until BMW reassumed control over the project.
