The eleventh M1 built by BMW, this car was not allocated to an eager customer when new, but was retained by BMW’s Press Department instead. Completed on 30 October 1978, the car was finished by Baur on 21 December and would finally be in the hands of the press department by 5 January 1979. Five days later, it was road registered in Germany as part of their press fleet. This would be some two months prior to the first customer M1 being delivered, giving the world’s motoring journalist early access to what was undoubtably the most exciting BMW built in decades.

Just three M1s were retained by press use, and the car offered here, bearing chassis number 4301011 is the only press car originally finished in blue. Only 59 M1s would be painted that colour out of the entirety of production. The car’s press use is verified by an accompanying BMW Classic Certificate, and additional commentary from the BMW M1 Club and BMW M1 Registry. It is understood that during its press duties, this car wore two different numberplates in period articles: “MAW 3064” and “MTT 8459”. Furthermore, it is believed that this car was used in the brochure for the model as well.

By 1981, the M1’s time with BMW’s Press Department had come to an end and the car was imported to California and was federalized for road use. Amazingly, it would remain with the same Californian owner until 2013. Three years later, the car would return to its native Germany with a subsequent owner where it remained on display in his prominent private collection.

With that owner, the car was sent to the BMW specialists at Oldenzaal Classic in the Netherlands where an extensive mechanical restoration was commissioned. Approximately 450 hours of labor saw the M1 returned to fantastic conditions both inside and out. Notable line items furnished by Oldenzaal include complete rebuilds of its engine, transmission, differential, water pump, starter motor, alternator, and Kugelfischer fuel injection pump. Additionally, new bushings were installed throughout the car’s suspension, four new Pirelli tires were fitted, and numerous interior details were also remedied in pursuit of ideal and period-correct presentation. Returning to California with a subsequent owner, the M1 was acquired by the consignor via RM Sotheby’s and imported to the Netherlands, where it resides today.

The very first BMW to be designed entirely under the purview of BMW’s Motorsport division, the M1 is a highly significant model within the company’s rich history. For many, it would have been this very car that introduced them to the model. Thus, it should be considered to be amongst the most important M1s in existence, and therefore one to be cherished.