A homologation special born to meet FIA's Group-5 rules from BMW's motorsport division head Jochen Neerpash's desire to compete against Porsche, the BMW M1 was the brand's first supercar and the first production vehicle released under the 'M' nameplate. As BMW's factories were all but fully utilized to meet production requirements of their standard offerings, the company partnered with Lamborghini to assist in the design and manufacture of their new car. Unfortunately, the Italian company soon ran into financial trouble and BMW was forced to delay the car's release while development was completed by Italengineering - a firm founded by a group of former Lamborghini engineers.

The production car wasn't made available for purchase until 1978 - several years later than intended. Each example was a multi-national effort: TIR and Marchesi of Italy built the car's fiberglass bodies and tube frame, respectively. Italdesign completed the body and handled interior work before sending the partly completed cars back to Bauer in Germany, who completed final assembly by hand with engines built in Munich. Once finished, M1s were inspected prior to delivery back in Munich. All told, 399 street-legal examples were built, making them a rare sight even amongst marque-specific collections.

The superlative 1980 BMW M1 Coupe featured here was delivered new to Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters shortly after the 1979 release of the band's landmark album, "The Wall". Documented by its original BMW Motorsport invoice addressed to George Roger Waters, the car was completed in March 1979 and finished in the striking Blau (Code 207) hue — one of only about 59 examples in this desirable color, making it the rarest "standard production" color option - over a Black leather interior with Black/White cloth inserts. Waters personally collected his new M1 in Germany and, after enjoying it for some time there, had it imported it to the United Kingdom in April 1980.

Mr. Waters cherished his M1 for over 42 years, amassing and keeping an extensive portfolio of records and memorabilia including his original German tourist delivery plate, purchase invoices, UK registration documents, and MOT history [please visit this LINK to review some of these records]. From 2006 to 2020, specialists at Meridien Modena in Lyndhurst handled routine maintenance such as oil changes, tire replacements, and annual inspections. In 2021, the car was sold to its second owner, Benjamin Clymer, founder of Hodinkee and a prominent collector of high-end automobiles, who had the car imported to the United States shortly thereafter. Upon taking delivery, R&R Automotive Restorations in Mount Kisco, New York, invested over $34,000 in preservation work: fluid changes, shock and brake rebuilds, new suspension bushings, hoses, clutch slave cylinder, and more. With approximately 10,000 km (~6,214 miles) showing on the car's odometer at the time, the focus remained on maintaining originality while ensuring reliability. Turn 7 Auto Care in White Plains then performed a full interior and exterior detail before the car's showcase at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in 2022, where it claimed victory in the 50th Anniversary of BMW M Division class.

Today, this M1 shows only 15,772 km (9,800 miles) on its odometer and, with a fresh detail, stands as one of the finest surviving examples. Its impeccable condition owes much to meticulous, well-documented care from its rock legend first owner and subsequent attention from top restorers, making it a remarkable piece of automotive and cultural history. This represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the most demanding collector, investor, or enthusiast who desires to own one of the absolute best at an investment price!

Looking for an investment opportunity with tangible benefits? Classic and collectible vehicles have long been a rewarding choice for those “in the know”. The Historic Automobile Group International (HAGI) diligently tracks values across the industry – today, their Top Index shows an increase of over 400% versus 2009. For more information, please Contact one of our expert sales consultants. We are happy to supply you with a more detailed description, answer any questions you may have, or set up a FaceTime virtual walkaround. Buy with confidence!