Unveiled at the 1978 Paris Auto Show, the BMW M1 was conceived from the ground up by BMW Motorsport GmbH founding director Jochen Neerpasch to have the potential of winning in Group 5 racing, a series dominated by Porsche and the 935. Despite its production being limited to just 399 roadgoing units, the resulting mid-engined supercar became one of the most significant icons made by the Munich marque.

Legendary engine designer Paul Rosche created the 3,453cc M88 inline-six, giving it Kugelfischer fuel injection, six individual throttle bodies, and dry-sump lubrication. The result was what is universally acknowledged as one of the finest BMW engines of all time. Another legend, Giorgetto Giugiaro at ItalDesign, penned the iconic and timeless shape of the M1.

However, by 1979 the project had been seriously delayed following the bankruptcy of Lamborghini, originally contracted to develop and build the production cars. The delay also meant that the M1 had not been produced in sufficient numbers for FIA homologation. Therefore, to give the sporting credibility needed to boost road car sales, the BMW M1 Procar Championship was conceived as a one make series and support race to F1, driven by an all star roster of pilots such as Niki Lauda, Mario Andretti, Nelson Piquet, Alain Prost and Hans-Joachim Stuck, just to name a few. Procar proved hugely popular with the public and ran over two seasons until BMW Motorsport shifted their interest to F1. By 1980 the M1 was homologated and competed internationally at the highest level, from Le Mans and IMSA GTO to Group B Rally.

This Particular BMW M1, chassis number WBS59910004301170 with matching engine number M88-173, is a concours winning example of the road going ’80’s supercar. It was delivered new in February 1980 to the hugely successful music producer and song writer Frank Farian, most famously known for creating hit making pop acts like Boney M., Milli Vanilli, La Bouche and No Mercy. During his ownership Farian commissioned BMW Motorsport to modify his car with the bodywork of the M1 competition cars making it unique, or perhaps one of a very small number to have done so in period and not to be confused with Procar inspired and dealer modified AHG Studie, of which as many as ten or more were produced. However, like some of the AHG cars, the original cloth inserts of the seats were upgraded to full leather and the star music producer also predictably fitted a comprehensively upgraded period sound system with Becker Mexico stereo, Clarion graphic equalizer and custom loudspeaker installation. Additional benefits over the standard road cars are substantially increased levels of aerodynamic and mechanical grip, with the flared wheel arches allowing space for the far wider 17 inch diameter BBS LM rims, with a measured width of 10” front and 11” rear.

In 1990 Frank Farian sold his M1 to a Mr. Erwin Schwedka of Germany, who cherished the car for 18 years until the car was sold to a Mr. Frank Jennen of Belgium. Between 2012 and November 2020 the car was owned by German classic automobile specialist Gassman before being acquired by the current owner. Just before its most recent sale the car, now affectionately nicknamed BoneyM1, won the Owners Choice award at the prestigious 2020 Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance To take this award, the car clearly already presented at a high international level but the meticulous current owner has since improved further on this M1 through a complete repaint as well as a mechanical overhaul and servicing by our expert team at MOTIKON. Notably the car attended the inaugural Aurora Concours d'elegance in 2024, when it was presented and praised by ClassicDriver CEO JP Rathgen.

The M1 was the first and defining BMW M and a testament to the engineering, motorsport heritage and usability which clearly distinguishes it from the other supercars of its period. As exotic as this Motorsport upgraded M1 looks, it is capable of being driven regularly and reliably, something the previous owners have understood and taken advantage of. In reference to the song made famous by its first illustrious owner, don’t miss this rare chance to be the next ”Daddy Cool” caretaker of BoneyM1: a stunning and unique Procar for the road, in excellent running order and with a unique and important provenance and history.