First M1 BMW: The Iconic Supercar That Redefined Performance

The first M1 BMW wasn’t just a car—it was a revolution. Born from a collaboration between BMW and Lamborghini in the 1970s, it combined German precision with Italian flair, becoming a benchmark in the supercar world.

Developed as BMW’s answer to the Lamborghini Countach, the first M1 debuted in 1978 with a radical mid-mounted V8 engine, a lightweight aluminum body, and aerodynamic design that prioritized performance. This groundbreaking layout and engineering excellence positioned the M1 as the world’s first mid-engine BMW, laying the foundation for future performance models.

Powered initially by a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 producing 271 horsepower, the M1 delivered unmatched responsiveness and a 3.5-second 0-60 mph sprint. Its spacious interior featured handcrafted materials and a driver-focused cockpit, blending luxury with sportiness. The sleek, sharp lines and signature grille remain iconic, influencing BMW’s design language for decades.

Though produced in limited numbers, the M1 carved a lasting legacy. It earned acclaim in motorsport and among collectors, inspiring generations of BMW engineers. Today, original M1s are treasured classics, celebrated for merging innovation with timeless style—a true symbol of automotive ambition.

The first M1 BMW is more than a milestone—it’s the soul of performance engineering. For enthusiasts and collectors, owning or admiring an M1 is a connection to the dawn of modern supercars. If you’re passionate about automotive history, the M1 stands as a timeless testament to innovation and excellence—proving that greatness begins with the first.

The BMW M1 is the first car to be solely developed by BMW M and employs a 3,453 cc (3.5 L) M88/1 petrol straight-six engine with Kugelfischer - Bosch mechanical fuel injection and Magneti-Marelli ignition system. The engine was developed by Paul Rosche, who was also responsible for the S14 inline-four engine and the S70/2 V12 engine. The M1 finally took to the racetrack in 1979, but failure dogged it from the first.

The Procar series brought mixed reviews, providing a show of brilliance but also evidence of early engine problems. BMW had hired Lamborghini to produce the cars, but numerous problems along the way forced BMW to take over the project completely. Due to this production problem, the M1 is the first car completely developed by BMW Motorsport.

Powered by BMW's M88/1 straight six engine, the M1 achieved relative success on the racetrack. Right from the start, the M1 was an ambitious project as it was the first vehicle designed by BMW Motorsport GmbH. Originally, the plan was to use the race car in the German Racing Championship.

Due to its long and complicated development time and a change to regulations, the BMW M1 finally appeared in the specially. The M1 arrived during a transformative period for the company, marking BMW's first and only mid. The BMW M1 Offered Something Different To The Supercar Enthusiast There were plenty of excellent supercars around at the time, such as the Ferrari 308, but the M1 was very different on paper.

The M1 would be the first mid-engined BMW production car and it would remain so for decades until the release of the BMW i8 in 2014. Giugiaro used the earlier 1972 BMW Turbo concept car designed by Paul Bracq as his inspiration for the M1, applying his own distinctive style resulting in a car that was unmistakably a child of its era. BMW M1 1978 - 1981 When the BMW M1 was introduced in 1978 it was the first mid-engined BMW and went on to become one of the most iconic cars ever made.

The M1 was created to be a racing car, and the road going version was necessary for homologation. BMW had hired Lamborghini to produce the cars, but numerous problems along the way forced BMW to take over the project completely. Powered by BMW.

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.

The BMW M1 is the first car to be solely developed by BMW M and the first BMW supercar. 397 M1 road cars were built, some of them now cost over $1 million.