The Iconic BMW M1: A Historic Supercar
The BMW M1 holds a significant place in automotive history due to its successes and failures. Despite not meeting BMW’s initial intentions, both the final production car and subsequent race cars have become beloved by fans. During the recent BMW Test Fest event, we had the opportunity to experience the thrill of riding in a 1981 M1 IMSA race car and it did not disappoint.
A Rare Gem
The M1, in any form, is incredibly rare. Originally, BMW had ambitious plans for racing, including Formula 1 involvement, collaboration with Lamborghini, and a powerful V8 engine. While these plans didn’t fully materialize, the M1 that made it to production still became an iconic vehicle. The 1981 M1 IMSA Group 4 endurance race car we had the privilege of riding in is a testament to the challenges and triumphs of its development.
A Beast on the Track
This particular M1 race car competed in the 1981 season’s 24 Hours of Daytona. It boasts a 24-valve 3.5-liter inline-six engine, producing approximately 490 horsepower (365 kW). Power is transmitted exclusively to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox built by ZF. According to BMW, the car weighs just 2,866 pounds (kg). With the driver and myself on board, it adds a few hundred pounds more to its weight.
A Challenging Ride
Interestingly, there was some doubt about whether I would be able to fit in the car due to my height of six-foot-six. BMW initially expressed concerns, and upon attempting to get in, I wasn’t entirely convinced either. The footwell is extremely tight, requiring one to position their feet towards the outer edges of the cabin. Additionally, the low roof forced me to contort my body to fit inside the M1. Nevertheless, I managed to make it work, even though I couldn’t technically have my back against the backrest.
The Thrill of Full Throttle
Out of the four race cars showcased by BMW, the M1 was undoubtedly the crowd favorite. As a result, the rides were short but incredibly exhilarating. Sit back, turn up your speakers, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this classic BMW M1 race car going full throttle at the BMW Performance Center.
