What makes this particular BMW M1 stand out is its unique place in history: it is the third M1 ever built and, according to factory records, the first street-legal version used by BMW for training sessions and promotional events before being sold to its first private owner.
Originally delivered from the factory in striking Inka Orange, the color perfectly complements Giorgetto Giugiaro's bold and angular design. Initially used by BMW as a service training car, this very car was later sold to Alf Gebhardt, a former BMW works driver and Procar participant. His ties to BMW Motorsport add an extra layer of historical significance. He drove the car sparingly, averaging only about 1,000 kilometers a year.
The car then spent over 30 years with its second owner, an avid collector of rare BMWs. To this day, the odometer shows just 22,000 kilometers. Its condition is truly remarkable: the paint is original and in exceptional shape, the interior remains virtually untouched, and original items such as the tool roll and first aid kit are still present.
Mechanically, the car is equally impressive. The 3.5-liter inline-six features dual overhead camshafts and Bosch Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection, delivering roughly 277 horsepower through a ZF manual gearbox. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and tops out at over 160 mph. These were world-class numbers in the late '70s — and they still command respect today.
Production of the M1 was famously complex. Lamborghini was originally contracted to build the car, but after financial issues arose, Baur in Stuttgart took over. Bodies were assembled in Italy, final assembly was done in Germany, and delivery took place at BMW headquarters in Munich. Only 399 road cars were ever produced.
Owning a BMW M1 is already a rare privilege. But finding an unmolested, unrestored example with low mileage, a fully documented history, and a spot among the earliest production cars? That is nothing short of exceptional. A true blue-chip collector's item with museum pedigree — and still a thrill to drive.
Interested in this once-in-a-lifetime supercar? Get in touch with Gallery Aaldering today. Active since 1975, we export vehicles worldwide. Ask us about the possibilities.
* Third M1 built and the first for use on public roads
* Factory livery in vibrant "Inka Orange"
* First owner Alf Gebhardt - former driver at Bavarian Motors International
* Full history is known and substantiated by factory records
* Unique opportunity to own a remarkable BMW from BMW magnificent heritage
* 399 examples of M1 were built at the time
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