Paul Walker’s 1980 BMW M1 Is Up For Sale
Great example of BMW’s first-ever mid-engine sports car is up for auction, and this model was owned by Hollywood legend, Paul Walker.
In the late 70s, Bavarian Motor Works decided to build a car that could rival Porsche’s iconic 911, which was dominating the world of motorsport. BMW’s quest resulted in the brand’s first-ever mid-engine model, which was dubbed the M1. The BMW M1 was a glorious sports car and sported beautiful bodywork, which was styled by the legendary Italian design maestro, Girogetto Giugiaro.
Needless to say, a BMW M1 in good condition is an immensely coveted item. Now, a great example of the nameplate is up for auction, and this particular model was owned by Hollywood legend, Paul Walker. The car in question is a 1980 model, which is currently listed on the online auction marketplace Bring a Trailer.
Only 400 examples of the BMW M1 were ever built, and this particular model was modified by German BMW dealership AHG in the early 1980s. This BMW M1 also gets the Studie package, which was installed by the German dealership. Only 10 vehicles received this treatment, which makes this M1 all the more special.
The sports car was acquired by its current owner in 2014 and only has 4200 miles (approximately) on the odometer right now. This 1980 BMW M1 is powered by a 3.5-liter M88 inline- 6 motor, which is a true race car engine of that era. The straight-six engine produced 273 HP of maximum power and 243 lb-ft of peak torque when it was new.
The powerplant comes coupled to a 5-speed dog-leg manual transmission. The M1 also gets a limited-slip differential, and according to BMW, the sports car could achieve a top speed of 162 MPH. The car rides on 16-inch BBS rims, and in addition to its mechanical prowess, this BMW M1 also flaunts unique bodywork. The car’s beautiful and lightweight glass fiber bodywork is further complemented by a Procar-inspired body kit.
The sports car is finished in a white paint scheme and sports BMW Motorsport Tricolor livery. The car comes with a clean Montana title and is being sold out of Costa Mesa, California. The auction is already underway and customers only have seven days left to get their bids in.
The car’s celebrated ownership history and extremely low odometer reading will definitely justify its exorbitant price tag, which currently stands at $390,000.
Photos: Bring a Trailer