Single family-owned BMW M1 Emerges After 40 Years of Hibernation
Low-mileage BMW M1 is the holy grail of collecting, and it is for sale after having been in one family for an eternity.
If you ask any BMW enthusiast what the absolute epitome of collecting is, chances are very high, they will tell you it’s the M1. Only 453 of the mid-engine legends were built to meet homologation requirements. An opportunity to buy one is incredibly rare, and this one takes it a step higher. This M1 has been insanely well kept and has relatively low miles.
Canepa has listed this car for sale, and it is impressive in spec. If you’re looking for a price, though, you won’t find it there. Instead, you’ll need to call to inquire. You know what they say about having to ask, though. With only 22,760 miles on the clock, recent major servicing, and the original BMW tool roll included, one can only imagine the price it will fetch.
That doesn’t mean we can’t speculate, though. NADA Guides lists the average retail at $670,700, but the condition of this M1 may well put it above average. However, a potential threat to its value is present. It has been painted.
“This example he drove for a few years when he first acquired the car before deciding to do a comprehensive and very detailed color change to white,” reports Canepa
That being said, the respray doesn’t change what it is. Finding another M1 that has been this well maintained would be no easy task. In fact, finding another one for sale is not common in the first place.
Canepa themselves have put a massive effort into making this vehicle Concours ready. Their work included repairs and general maintenance. As well as work on the wiring harness, alternator, fuel system, suspension bushings, and brakes. The interior refresh includes new carpets and new correct OE cloth inserts in the seats while preserving all of the original black leather.
The 273 horsepower inline six-cylinder engine looks just as good as it did the day it left the factory. The attention to detail in Canepa’s sale preparation is second to none.
For most, owning an M1 is nothing more than a pipe dream. Still, it is great to see them being traded and maintained. If nothing else, it gives us common folk a chance to see these rolling pieces of history first hand.
Photos: Canepa