BMW – M1 Procar (1979)

This automobile conceals a true pioneer. The M1 – it’s all in the name – is regarded as the forebear of all M models which since that time have defined the range of fast, sporty vehicles for BMW. The M1 stood out in many respects. It was a standard bearer. Regarded as a pioneer presaging new technologies, it was an aesthetic statement of the era, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who regards the M1 as his masterpiece. And most of all, it was a stellar sports machine, as demonstrated by this representative of the M1 Procar Series.

Some 50 examples were produced within a sophisticated network of suppliers and service providers. The exceptionally popular Procar Championship was held in 1979 and 1980, generally as part of the warm-up programme for European Formula 1 races. The field was made up of amateurs and professionals, and it always included the five fastest drivers from the Friday training sessions for Formula 1. This automobile was one of five works cars. Clay Regazzoni lined up at the start in 1979 and Carlos Reutemann in 1980. In 2005, it was returned to the authentic look of its race outings back in 1979 during the course of a restoration.