Rare 1981 BMW M1 in Polaris Silver Heads to Auction, Expected to Fetch Up to $950,000

A truly unique 1981 BMW M1, one of only three ever to leave the factory in a striking Polaris metallic silver, is set to go under the hammer next month.

This BMW with a mere 17,000 km on the odometer, this race-derived German icon nearly presents as a brand-new vehicle, despite its venerable age. Experts anticipate it will command a price between $750,000 and $950,000, possibly setting it apart as the ultimate supercar of the 1980s.

Conceived by BMW’s M division primarily for racing, the production of the M1 included 399 road-going units to satisfy homologation requirements. This specific model, manufactured on February 23, 1981, boasts a unique place in automotive history as the only one of its trio to feature a distinct shade of Polaris metallic silver.

Initially delivered in France, the car spent two years before moving to Japan in 1983, where it remained for over two decades. It made its return to Europe in 2006 and, after an odometer replacement in 2007, has been driven an additional 6,046 km. In 2014, it received a fresh coat of its original silver paint and was acquired by its current owner in the U.S. in 2016.

The M1’s exterior is in impeccable condition, with its paint and original black plastic parts well-preserved over the years. RM Sotheby’s, the auction house managing its sale, has yet to release additional photos of the car’s interior or exterior.

Equipped with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder petrol engine, the M1 delivers 273 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque, paired with a ZF five-speed manual transmission. While these specs might not compare with modern supercars, the M1’s relatively lightweight design and lack of modern safety systems make it a joy to drive, true to its 1980s heritage.

The new owner will also receive a wealth of accompanying items, including original manuals, a tool kit, photo documentation of its time in Japan and Europe, an M1-branded suitcase, and a comprehensive history file with BMW Classic certification.

The auction, set by RM Sotheby’s at the Moda Miami event on March 1, 2024, promises to be a highlight for collectors and enthusiasts, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.

Source: RM Sotheby’s