Chassis No. WBS59910004301170

Engine No. M88-173

According to online registries, this BMW M1 is one of only 71 street cars finished in Red from new and delivered in Berlin, Germany, new to Franz Reuther, better known by his stage name Frank Farian. The German record producer, singer, and songwriter career was prolific, selling over 850 million records and earning 800 gold and platinum certifications with groups like Boney M., Far Corporation, Meat Loaf, and Milli Vanilli.

Not one to hide from the spotlight, it is only natural that Farian sent his vibrant M1 back to BMW Motorsport to modify the bodywork to match that worn by the M1 Procars. A copy of its original Farhzeugbrief shows that this work increased the car's aerodynamic presence with a large rear wing and a front splitter while the flared wheel arches allowed wider 16-inch BBS RS multipiece wheels were all installed in by the summer of 1987. Additional upgrades performed by Farian include reupholstering the seats with full leather, and unsurprisingly, the car's sound system was upgraded with a Becker Mexico stereo, Clarion 150EQB graphic equalizer, and additional speakers.

After a decade with his M1, Farian transferred ownership of it to his employee Erwin Schwedka in 1990, where it is believed to have remained close to Farian. After 18 years, in 2008, at the same time Farian was moving FAR Rosbach Studios to the United States the M1 left Germany for the first time when Frank Jennen of Belgium purchased it. In Eccentric magazine, Jennen noted that he bought the car from Farian after just a single phone call. The car was next sold in 2012 when it returned to Germany. In 2020, the car was shown in the United Kingdom at the illustrious Salon Privé Concours, where it won the Owner's Choice award, placing Second in Class.

Following this showing, the car was sold to its current caretaker. Under their stewardship, the car was taken to a noted specialist in Sweden for servicing and a thorough inspection. Wanting to improve the already striking car, the bodywork was restored entirely in its originally specified Red. Additional work included inspecting the duplex timing chain, overhauling the brakes, fuel tank, transmission, and fuel injection system, installing new hoses and vacuum lines, and installing new Michelin Pilot Sport tires. With this work completed, the car was shown at the inaugural 2024 The Aurora Scandinavian Concours in Sweden.

The BMW M1 remains a standout for the "M" division that set the standard for BMW M's future, combining stunning design with exceptional performance. Already coveted among enthusiasts, this car has the added distinction covering just under 91,000 kilometers or 56,000 miles at the time of cataloging, known celebrity ownership when new and period modifications by BMW Motorsport create the awe-inspiring visual of a Procar for the road.