BMW M1
If the original management and engineering team
behind the M1 were sitting in the audience, they would most likely be astounded
that this car is now so greatly revered. The BMW M1 did not exactly have the
smoothest genesis.
Back in the 1970’s BMW formed a new racing
subsidiary with the idea of eventually fielding a Formula 1 team. As plans
progressed, the group decided to stay closer to their core business by building
a car that could enter Group 5 racing but also be street worthy.
With that mission in mind, BMW set out to create 400
M1’s that would be both race track eligible and street legal. Unfortunately,
there were some early bumps in the road as development progressed.
BMW partnered with Lamborghini to build the chassis
for them. Unfortunately, with Lamborghini facing bankruptcy proceedings, delays
became inevitable. The Italian manufacturer completed the engineering on the M1
but never built any chassis.
Baur was soon contracted to do the coachbuilding for
the M1, using a potpourri of parts and pieces from numerous manufacturers. The
one thing that did remain consistent was the development of the M1’s remarkable
engine.
The engine was designed and built by BMW’s
Motorsport GmbH. It became the company’s first M production motor. Created as a
3.5 liter straight six generating 277 hp and speeds up to 160 mph, in racing trim
it upped its game by making 470 hp and producing speeds close to 200 mph.
With the M1 ready for its official rollout, more
problems emerged. Created to compete in FIA Group 5 racing, the final version
of the track worthy edition no longer met the groups regulations and couldn’t
be raced.
With a plethora of early stumbles, BMW decided not
to let something as simple as allowing a car they specifically designed to
compete in Group 5 to fail, they did the next best thing. With no viable
alternatives in sight, the powers that be in Germany decided to create their
own series.
