The BMW M1 has always been one of the German luxury car manufacturer’s most unique models. When it first hit the market in 1978, it was the only mid-engined sports car that BMW had manufactured to date. The M1 drew inspiration from BMW’s official track racers, featuring a tubular steel space frame chassis from renowned motorsports engineer Giorgetto Giugiaro and a 3.5-liter M88/1 fuel injected engine.

Fans who have a particular appreciation for the car’s history now have the rare opportunity to own a 1980 BMW M1 E26. The car is currently for sale through the California collector car dealership Canepa. This M1 has been kept in near mint condition, owned by the same family since it rolled off the BMW production line nearly 40 years ago. Although it was enjoyed and consistently driven by this family for two generations, this M1 has only 22,760 miles registered on the odometer. In advance of its upcoming sale, this historic BMW underwent extensive mechanical inspection, restoration, and preservation servicing to ensure its pristine working condition. Its impending sale gives customers the once in a lifetime opportunity to own a classic that beckons back to the earliest days of the M1’s illustrious history.