BMW M1 (1978 - 1981)

The M1 was BMW’s first true mid-engined supercar and remains one of the company’s most unusual production cars. It began as a motorsport project, involved Italian design and construction partners, and eventually became the centrepiece of the spectacular Procar one-make series that supported Formula 1 weekends.

Its Giugiaro wedge shape, straight-six engine and low production numbers give it a very different personality from later BMW M cars. Rather than being a sedan turned into a performance model, the M1 was a purpose-built exotic, and it helped establish the credibility of BMW Motorsport as a road-car badge.