BMW M1 E26
BMW M1
Sales were low for these, thus worth preserving, so find a good parking spot for winter storage. This was the only mid-engined sports car produced by the German automaker.
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BMW M1 (1978-1981 E26)
First introduced in 1978, the E26 marked the beginning of the M-series, a range of high-performance, superior handling vehicles that would define the brand’s sporting legacy.
Unique design, by the famed Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, featured a wedge-shaped body, pop-up headlights, and a distinctive louvered rear window. Its fiberglass body, built by Italian coachbuilder Trasformazione Italiana Resina, was mounted on a steel frame.
The E26 was equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip differential, and fully independent suspension for handling.
BMW M1 Performance
The E26 boasted a 3.5-liter M88/1 inline-six engine, delivering an impressive 277 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. With a top speed of 162 mph, it could accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, making it one of the fastest cars of its time.
BMW M1 Sales
Production of the E26 was limited to 453 units, which included 399 road cars and 54 racing models, known as M1 Procar. Due to its rarity and exclusivity, the E26 is a highly sought-after collectible, with prices often exceeding $500,000.
1981 AHG Studie
The AHG Studie was a limited edition of the E26, modified by German BMW dealer AHG. Only 10 examples were built, making it one of the rarest BMW M1 variants.
The AHG Studie was distinguished by its unique bodywork, which included a custom wide-body kit, front air dam, and rear wing. It also featured 16-inch BBS wheels and a tri-color livery inspired by BMW’s motorsport division. Inside, the AHG Studie boasted custom leather upholstery, a roll cage, and a sport steering wheel. The car also benefited from a free-flow exhaust system, adjustable coil-over suspension for improved handling, and upgraded brakes.
Performance
The M1 AHG Studie featured a modified 3.5-liter M88/1 inline-six engine, which produced 350 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. This engine upgrade enabled the car to reach a top speed of 170 mph, while the 0-60 mph time was reduced to 5.3 seconds.
AHG Studie Sales
As only 10 AHG Studie models were produced, sales figures are scarce. However, the few that occasionally appear at auctions or in private sales fetch premium prices due to their rarity and performance upgrades.
Group 4 (1981)
Designed for racing, the M1 Group 4 was a competition-spec version of the E26. This rare model participated in various motorsport events, including the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The M1 Group 4 featured an extensive array of performance-enhancing modifications. These included a stripped-down interior, a wide-body kit for improved aerodynamics, and lightweight materials to reduce overall weight.
This race-ready variant also came with a specially designed suspension with better handling, racing brakes, and large, lightweight racing wheels. A full roll cage, racing seats, and a fire suppression system further contributed to its track-focused nature.
Race Performance
The M1 Group 4 was powered by an upgraded 3.5-liter M88/1 inline-six engine, capable of producing between 470 and 490 horsepower and around 370 lb-ft of torque. This boosted performance enabled the car to reach top speeds exceeding 186 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of around 4 seconds.
BMW M1 Group 4 Sales
As the M1 Group 4 was specifically built for racing, only a limited number were produced. Exact production numbers are hard to come by, but it is estimated that around 30-40 examples were made. Given the car’s rarity, purpose-built nature, and racing pedigree, the M1 Group 4 commands high prices in the collector’s market.
BMW M1 Procar Championship Series (1981)
The M1 Procar Championship was a one-make racing series, created to showcase the M1’s potential in a competitive environment. It ran for two seasons in 1979 and 1980, with Formula 1 drivers and private teams competing for the title.
BMW M1 Procars were equipped with numerous racing modifications, including a widened body, a large rear wing, and a deep front spoiler. The cars also featured center-locking BBS wheels, racing suspension, and powerful brakes for improved track performance.
The stripped-down interior came with a roll cage, racing bucket seats, and a racing steering wheel. Furthermore, Procars were fitted with a race-tuned exhaust system and an upgraded cooling system to cope with the demands of competition.
Performance
M1 Procar racers were powered by the same 3.5-liter M88/1 inline-six engine found in the road-going version, but with substantial modifications. Output varied between 470 and 480 horsepower, and torque reached approximately 360 lb-ft. These race-spec M1s had a top speed of around 193 mph and could sprint from 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds and unparalleled handling.
Sales
54 M1 Procars were built specifically for the championship, with some of them eventually finding their way into private collections. These Procars are highly valued due to their unique history and connection to Formula 1. In recent years, M1 Procars have been known to fetch over $1 million at auctions.
Final Thoughts
This remains a symbol of the German automaker’s performance and innovation. Though its production was limited, each variant holds a special place in automotive history.