First put into production in 1978, the BMW M1 was a clear break from convention for the Bavarian automaker. For starters, the M1 was Bimmer’s first and only mass-produced mid-engine production car, a title it held until the release of the i8 hybrid in 2014. The M1 also looks the part of an oddity, sporting an Italian-designed style with a speed wedge configuration. Inside is a tight two-seater cabin, behind which BMW’s M Division mounted a twin-cam 3.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine. Output is measured at 273 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, all of which is sent to the rear axle by way of a five-speed manual gearbox. All told, the M1 offered solid performance for its day, plus plenty of sexy looks, and with just 453 units produced, a fair amount of exclusivity as well. These are the characteristics that make for a highly desirable collector car, but now, there’s an example for sale in California sporting just 8,441 miles on the odometer. The asking price – $745,000.

Granted, that price isn’t too outrageous, especially when you consider a similar example changed hands last year at Monterey Car Week for $577,500. Factor in a near guarantee that auction prices will continue to rise over the long haul, and this slice of mid-engine history starts to look like a pretty good investment. If you had the money, would you bite? Read on for more info on what’s for sale here.

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The Full Story

So then, what makes this particular example unique? For starters, the low mileage is a big selling point, as is the fact its seen just three owners over the years, including a few well-known collectors. So that means its been well maintained. Outside, we find that searing orange paint job, while the modest cabin space is finished in black. All the important original bits are included, such as the documentation, tool kit, spare wheel, and owner’s manual. Underneath, the car looks utterly spotless. Without a doubt, this thing is damn close to factory perfect.

Still, $745,000 ain’t chump change, and after several years of record auction sales, the market might be cooling. We’ll get a better grip on where things are this August after Monterey Car Week, but in the meantime, we wanna know what you’d buy for 750 grand. Tell us in the comments below.

Further Reading

Read our full review of the 1978 - 1981 BMW M1

Read all of the recent BMW M News