Seems like every year there’s at least one big “car barn find.” The find this year, however, is especially big. A BMW M1 is an exceedingly rare so anytime one turns up, it’s a big deal. However, the BMW M1 prototype that was uncovered recently is an even bigger deal than usual.

First delivered as a standard M1 supercar in 1979, the car was later upgraded by Harald Ertl, a famous race car driver. Among the upgrades, Ertl installed twin KKK turbochargers to the standard 3.5-liter six cylinder. This upped the horsepower from the standard 273 to 410 horsepower.

The upgrades were made with one thing in mind: breaking 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph). It’s believed that the modified BMW M1 was able to achieve this on October 17, 1981. There are no official records of the car reaching such speeds. However, the claim is viewed as credible by many hypercar enthusiasts.Now that BMW M1 has been found.

If you look at the BMW M1, it’s a bit of a wacky car. Still, in its day it was a break through in aerodynamics and speed. It’s an iconic car, and this particular model has secured its place in automotive history.

This particular BMW M1 is expected to fetch a hefty price at auction. It’ll go on the block at the Coys Auction at Techno Classica in Essen, Germany in the near future. Coys has cited widespread interest in the car and it’s expected to fetched a quarter million or more.

Whoever does win the auction will get to take home a piece of history.

Related BMW M1 Stories:

BMW M1: A Sports Car Ahead of its Time

BMW M1 to Set Record Price at Auction