BMW - M1 Procar Replica E26

The absolute sportswoman The model There are two ways of looking at this M1. The first is critical of its commercial career. The second is to marvel at the extent to which it laid the foundations for everything that followed, establishing BMW in the sports segment. Let's go back to the origins of the project: It all began with a proposal to take part in a sports program for production cars, the "Formula Silhouette". BMW had Paul Bracq's BMW Turbo Studie concept in the works. Former racing driver Jochen Neerpasch takes on the task of initiating this ambitious project. It's true that when it comes to supercars in 1970, BMW is not one of the brands mentioned. Yet this M1 was indeed a supercar, BMW's first and also the first model to be developed exclusively by the M division. Let's take a closer look at its cradle to see that BMW didn't skimp. The design was entrusted to Giorgetto Giugiaro, with Lamborghini in charge of engineering and technical cooperation. Despite an unsuccessful collaboration with Lamborghini, the defined architecture was internalized, and BMW was able to rely on a multi-tubular, space-frame steel chassis created by the Miura's master builder, Gian Paolo Dallara. It is clad in fiberglass bodywork, assembled by another Modena company, Marchesi. Finally, the process ends in Germany, with the installation of the famous BMW engine designed by hand by Paul Rosche. This competition-bred engine is a BMW 3.5-liter six-cylinder, driven by a ZF five-speed transaxle, producing 277 hp and a top speed of 160 mph, making it Germany's fastest production sports car. The result was a truly homologated racing car. The icing on the cake was the richly appointed interior, with Recaro seats, air conditioning, electric windows, remote-controlled exterior mirrors and a heated rear windscreen. As a minimum of 400 cars was required for homologation, 455 M1s were produced between 1978 and 1981, 399 for the road and 56 for racing. These were not happy times, however, with the 2 oil crises, followed by the withdrawal of the Formula Silhouette from Group 5, which deprived the car of its raison d'être. Finally, the coup de grâce also came from its price, higher than that of a V12-powered Ferrari 512. Nevertheless, it remains the first M, and the only one of its kind with its own specific bodywork, and its ultra-limited production makes it a rarity. What is rare is.... The rest is history. The model This is a 1979 BMW M1 Procar Replica E26, with 34,839 miles on the clock. The vehicle is generally in good condition, with no visible structural damage or perforating oxidation. This BMW M1 Street was modified in 1980 by Est Est SGS in Hamburg as a Procar Replica. The identification is consistent with the elements presented. The Pearl White paintwork has been refurbished. There are a few imperfections and slight dents around the body. The upper structure of the vehicle is free of any visible after-effects of previous repairs or apparent deformation. The interior and instrumentation are in good condition and functional. It should be noted that the latter has also been modified by Est SGS. We note the presence of an adaptable sunroof and a contemporary car radio. The interior upholstery and carpets are in good condition and show normal wear. Motorsport upholstery is well preserved. The mechanical assembly is in good working order, justified by a static start-up. The vehicle requires a general overhaul before being put on the road. The engine number can only be read once the injection pump has been removed. A photo has been submitted and is available on request for the number. We placed the vehicle on an elevator. The underbody and floorboards are free from perforating corrosion or apparent deformation, although some surface corrosion is evident. The vehicle's undercarriage is free of any visible signs of previous repair or apparent deformation. The left front trusses have been repaired. The powertrain has no obvious visual defects, apart from some seepage. The gearbox number recorded is *011209*. The running gear shows no abnormal play or visible deformation. However, some silentblocs are showing advanced wear over time. The handbrake cables are only loosely attached. The left rear shock absorber has a leak. The foundry dates on the front hub carriers are 1979. The BBS rims are in good visual condition. The tires are in my