Among the rarest models BMW has ever built, and the first to be created entirely under the purview of its elite M division, the M1 is a hand-built homologation special developed in the late 1970s as the German automaker sought to compete at higher levels of motorsports. Intent on using a mid-engine layout, BMW initially contracted Lamborghini to develop the M1 chassis, and its tubular steel spaceframe is said to have been devised with input from noted Italian engineer Giampaolo Dallara. Lamborghini’s ensuing financial struggles delayed development and dissolved the partnership, but a group of disenfranchised engineers from the Italian automaker banded together and founded their own company to complete the work. The final product was impressive, featuring a rigid spaceframe and sophisticated, double-wishbone suspension with adjustable coil springs and Bilstein gas-filled dampers. Angular fiberglass bodywork by noted designer Giorgetto Giugiaro gave the M1 visual appeal commensurate with its performance potential. Initially completed by Karosserie Baur on 28 May 1980, this stunning Red-over-black M1 is presented today in stunningly preserved condition from over 45 years within the care of its original owner. According to the BMW M1 Register, M1 chassis 239 is the 173rd street car produced in the series, one of 71 cars finished in Red, and the first of only four M1 examples sold to Mexico. An accompanying German registration document shows that the consignor initially purchased the car from BMW in Munich on 23 July 1980. The manufacturer subsequently registered this car with the export plate “Z686-6571” and it was later dispatched to the consignor’s Mexico home via BMW Mexico-Bavaria Motors S.A. Since new, the consignor has added fewer than 7,000 kilometers (~4,350 miles) to this M1, and as such the car retains an astounding degree of well-preserved original finishes throughout. Despite the low mileage and careful use, the M1 and other cars in his stable were always maintained and regularly run to ensure they were in healthy mechanical condition. The car is accompanied by the original 1980 German registration document which notes its purchase by the consignor. It seems fair to say that this M1 is one of exceptionally few examples of this rare homologation special which remain in the ownership of their original buyers. Now 45 years onward from the model’s debut and still with exceptionally low mileage, this offering could possibly be an unrepeatable opportunity for the collector hunting a preserved, reference-grade M1. The ambitions of the production BMW M1 was not to be a refined GT but simply the most efficient sports car of its time. Soberness and functionalism have always been notable keywords within BMW, and the stunning M1 was no exception to the rule. It is, without a doubt, the ultimate driving machine.