A late-production BMW M1—UK-registered, exhibiting 39,500 km, and completed in Nachtblau—has come up on the market. Registered on December 29, 1980, this M1 is described as one of many final vehicles off the manufacturing line, delivered new via the primary BMW concessionaires in Kontich, Belgium, earlier than starting a life that bounced throughout borders and into long-term collector possession.
One of many final M1s, in a coloration you don’t see on daily basis
The headline spec is strictly what you’d need it to be: Nachtblau gloss outdoors, a Black leather-based/Gray material inside inside, and people distinctive supercar proportions—low nostril, broad hips, and pop-up headlights that immediately date it to the absolute best period. Hero Motor Firm says this BMW M1 has been the cornerstone of its assortment for 15 years, and it’s now being supplied manufacturing facility normal—the one caveat being the half-leather Motorsport seats, which they describe as a pricey improve. In addition they declare the colour itself is an enormous a part of the attraction: one in every of 59 street vehicles (and two race vehicles) completed in Nachtblau, a element that may matter to the individuals who maintain construct sheets within the nightstand drawer.
The automotive is claimed to retain its service books, workshop handbook, device package, first support package, plus the radio and its handbook—together with unique BMW gross sales materials, together with some genuinely obscure objects: the bags brochure, upholstery brochure, and a 1980 Motorsport accent catalogue.
The possession story reads like an M1 ought to
In keeping with the analysis included with the automotive, it was first registered to SA Multi European Associates in 1980—believed to be a leasing firm—suggesting the M1 started life as a senior government’s firm automotive. From there, the automotive modified arms a couple of instances, together with an proprietor in Quebec, Canada, who later relocated the M1 again to Switzerland. It will definitely ended up with one other collector and was displayed in his personal museum. He saved the automotive for 27 years and used it sparingly—typically on particular collector registration plates.
One of the attention-grabbing items of context within the file has nothing to do with horsepower or paint codes. It’s the reminder that the M1 was by no means formally bought within the UK, regardless that UK consumers nonetheless discovered a method in. The itemizing claims vehicles have been marketed by BMW Motorsport as “ex works”, with consumers required to personally import them, and servicing supposed to be carried out by BMW GB at Studying. It additionally underlines how absurdly costly the M1 was by the point it reached clients. Factoring within the interval taxes—10% particular automotive tax and 17.5% VAT—the supposed “UK listing value” labored out to £37,500, pegged as roughly £160,000 in right now’s cash.
On paper, each M1 is identical proposition: mid-engine format, BMW’s legendary straight-six, wedge styling, Motorsport pedigree and low manufacturing numbers. However the market doesn’t value “M1” as a single factor. It costs situation, originality, completeness, and story. A automotive that stays near manufacturing facility spec, retains its service documentation, and nonetheless has the unique booklets and brochures will at all times command a excessive value. And this one is listed at £495,000. For pictures and particulars, go to HereMotorCompany.
