The BMW M1 was the first BMW model to be built from scratch and the first to have a center-mounted engine. It was produced from 1978 to 1981 and only 453 units were made. Learn more about its features, performance and racing achievements. In 2008, BMW presented the M1 Hommage at the Concorso d’Eleganza on Lake Como – a design study to mark the 30th anniversary of the BMW M1 super sports car. The concept vehicle was an overnight sensation. We take a closer look at this fascinating one-off model. The BMW M1 was the first supercar created by BMW. The body was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, taking inspiration from the 1972 BMW Turbo show car. Originally, BMW commissioned Lamborghini to work out the details of the car's chassis, assemble prototypes and manufacture the vehicles, but Lamborghini's financial position meant that BMW reassumed control over the project in April 1978, after seven prototypes were built. Only 456 production M1s were built, making it one of BMW's rarest models ... As well as being one of the most famous sports cars of the 1970s, the M1 is a fascinating vehicle that shaped BMW M like no other. Boasting a powerful 6-cylinder in-line engine and a striking name, the BMW M1 became a major player in the automotive world when it debuted in 1978.
