A marvel of design and engineering, the 1978 BMW E26 M1 is an iconic sports car that has captured the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. What adds more to the appeal is its extreme rarity. So in this article, we delve into the 1978 BMW E26 M1, its remarkable performance, and the question that beckons all potential buyers – should one buy it?
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Beginning Of The M1 Lineup
The M1 was a striking departure from the brand’s typical offerings. It marked the beginning of BMW’s M division, known for creating high-performance, limited-production vehicles. The M1 was a mid-engine, two-seat sports car with a sleek and aerodynamic design, emphasizing both form and function. Its body was constructed from lightweight materials, such as aluminum and fiberglass, to enhance performance.
Powering this exquisite machine was a 3.5-liter inline-six engine, capable of producing 273 horsepower, and mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The M1 featured a cutting-edge suspension setup, which contributed to its precise handling and superb driving dynamics. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, with a top speed of around 163 mph.
One distinctive aspect of the M1 was the collaboration between BMW and Lamborghini in its production. BMW contracted Lamborghini to assemble the cars, but financial issues led to a limited production run of just 453 units. The rarity of the M1 only adds to its desirability among collectors. Legendary actor Paul Walker has also owned one M1.
An Expensive Classic
The 1978 BMW E26 M1 is a classic supercar that no one would deny to have one for themselves. But it’s also a rare car, which could be a piece of bad news for your question “How much is a BMW M1”. An M1 BMW cost around an average of $450,000 in 2023. However, even if you are capable of paying that amount, we do not want you to have your hopes high as BMW only produced 453 of these.
In fact, the M1 BMW price keeps going upward as recently one sold out for a whopping $561,000! Given the high demand and rare sellers, the price hike of a 1978 BMW M1 does not seem to stop anytime soon making the year 2023 as good as a year to have one for yourself.
Should You Buy One?
The 1978 BMW E26 M1 is a conic sports car that has a lot to offer, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. The 1978 M1 is a special part of automobile history. It was BMW’s first true supercar, and its limited production run makes it even more appealing. Despite being decades old, the M1’s sleek and timeless design still turns heads today. Its mid-engine layout, aerodynamic lines, and iconic BMW kidney grille give it a distinctive and classic appearance. Moreover, it’s not just all about the looks as the M1 does not back down when it comes to performance.
With its 3.5-liter inline-six engine, the M1 offers a thrilling driving experience, capable of reaching high speeds and offering excellent handling. However, you also need to consider some cons that come with it. The M1 is a vintage car, and finding parts and expert mechanics who can work on it can be a challenge. Maintenance costs can be high, and repairs may require sourcing rare components.
Additionally, its practicality is limited with it being a two-seater sports car with limited cargo space. Overall, we would suggest you go ahead with it if the BMW M1 costs under your budget and if you are looking for a classic in your collection.
