This 1981 BMW M1 is a Euro-spec model that is #420 of 453 examples produced worldwide between 1978 and 1981, about 400 of which were road cars. This example was purchased new by the current owner at Felix Emmenegger BMW in Switzerland and has since been driven just under 93k kilometers (~58k miles). Power comes from a mid-mounted 3.5-liter M88 inline-six mated to a 5-speed manual transaxle, and the car is reported to remain largely stock apart from aftermarket stereo and alarm systems. This E26 has remained in Switzerland apart from occasional trips throughout Europe, though it has been driven sparingly during the last few years. It is being represented in this auction by the son of the current owner. The sale includes records from new, the original purchase documents, a stamped service booklet, an original owner’s manual, the factory books, and a clean Swiss title.

Chassis #420 was built at Italdesign on November 27, 1980 and completed at Baur on January 30, 1981. The M1 features lightweight fiberglass bodywork over a steel space frame, with styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Double-wishbone suspension is equipped all around and was designed by Gianpaolo Dallara of Lamborghini.

This example is said to retain its original body number stampings and the majority of its factory white paint. The fiberglass front bumper was replaced and the rear unit was repaired and repainted some time ago. The driver and passenger windows were replaced with OEM glass following two separate break-ins while the vehicle was in France and Italy. Photos of the glass etchings can be found in the gallery below.

Factory 16” Campagnolo alloy wheels wear Michelin Pilot Exalto tires from 2011 that measure 205/55 up front and 225/50 out back. The car features vented disc brakes from ATE at all four corners but is not equipped with ABS. An original space-saver wheel is included in the trunk along with a first-aid kit and warning triangle.

The black leather seats are complimented by checkered cloth inserts and gray carpeting. A set of matching Lloyd mats are fitted, and a Nakamichi head unit, Alpine CD changer, and numerous aftermarket speakers have been installed.

A factory three-spoke steering wheel is retained, and an alarm unit was added following the earlier break-in attempts. The A/C has reportedly not been used in some time and its functionality is unknown. Lighting and instrumentation are said to be working properly, and 92,970 kilometers (~58k miles) are shown on the odometer. Approximately 5k kilometers have been added since 2005, and the car has been driven sparingly in the last three years.

The mid-mounted M88 DOHC inline-six utilizes Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection and is paired with a ZF 5-speed manual transaxle. Equipped with six separate throttle bodies and four valves per cylinder, the M1 was factory-rated at 277 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 239 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm.

A cold start video is viewable above. Maintenance performed in July 2014 included a smog check and an inspection of the brake and suspension components.

Over 60 service and part receipts dating back to new show dealership maintenance and work by marque specialists in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Germany. Other documentation accompanying the vehicle includes: