BMW M1 (1978 to 1981)

The M1 was introduced by BMW in 1978. Distinguished by its road and racing versions developed with a clear focus on high performance, the M1 adopted an unusual configuration for BMW: a mid engine, rear wheel drive layout, a two door coupe body designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, and a strong motorsport heritage. BMW had hired Lamborghini to produce the cars, but numerous problems along the way forced BMW to take over the project completely. Due to this production problem, the M1 is the first car completely developed by BMW Motorsport. Powered by BMW's M88/1 straight six engine, the M1 achieved relative success on the racetrack. A total of 453 examples of the M1 were built, with 399 examples being built as Road Cars, and 54 examples as Race Cars for motorsport. The BMW M1 was produced until 1981.