Extreme Auction Dilemma: 1980 BMW M1 Vs 2005 Ford GT

Car listings touting a 40-year old BMW and used Ford don't sound very exciting, but this edition of Auction Dilemma proves to be the exception. These are cars to get very excited about. We're looking at two very extreme examples of the best from Munich and Dearborn and two companies not known for mid-engine design. Let's explore the 1980 BMW M1 and 2005 Ford GT, which are both up for bid on bringatrailer.com. Which motorized icon is worthy of your six-figure offering? Heck, if you just discovered you have the winning PowerBall or Mega Millions ticket, then buy them both.

1980 BMW M1

A decades-old car that still makes enthusiasts drool is noteworthy. But this 1980 BMW M1 takes things to the extreme for several reasons. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the M1 was the first BMW with mid-engine placement. This car is only one of about 400 produced during the M1's brief production history from 1978 to 1981. The BaT listing states that the vehicle was modified in the early 80s by storied German customizer AHG. Oh, and one more thing. It was co-owned by the late actor Paul Walker of Fast and Furious movie fame.

Purchased new in Germany in 1979, the M1 began life stateside in 1995 and today is offered on a dealer consignment in California with a clean Montana title. Currently, with about 6,800 kilometers on the odometer (about 4,200 miles), the seller reports that the car will not pass California emissions testing, so it cannot be sold to an in-state resident.

In addition to the numerous AHG appearance enhancements, the car's original 3,455cc inline-six engine received a performance upgrade from the original 277 hp to an estimated 350 hp. A ZF five-speed manual transmission transfers powers to the rear wheels. New Yokohama Advan tires are mounted on 16-inch BBS wheels and stopped by ventilated disc brakes on all corners. Factory equipment includes an adjustable suspension, limited-slip differential, power windows, and air conditioning.

Inside, the original checkered cloth remains on the door cards, headliner, and rear firewall. The AHG upgrade swapped out the original fabric seat inserts for black leather, which also covers the console and dashboard. Interior amenities include power seats and a sound system with a Blaupunkt cassette player, just to remind you this is a 40-year old car.

2005 Ford GT

Calling this car a used Ford is like describing Babe Ruth as some guy who used to play ball. Accurate, but entirely missing the point. This American-built supercar was a celebration for Ford's 100th anniversary and paid homage to Ford's original GT40 race car that bested Ferrari in the 1960s. Combining iconic styling with contemporary components makes a show-stopping vehicle that could be a daily driver except for poor outward visibility and an earth-shattering exhaust sound.

This GT is #429 of the 765 examples finished in Mark IV Red and is #954 of the entire production run of 2022 GTs. This one-owner car is in pristine condition with only 1,700 miles on the odometer and sold by the acquiring dealer in Missouri with a clean CarFax report and clean Tennessee title.

On the exterior, the contrasting white stripes give this GT a retro flair. The front splitter, underbody panels, and rear diffuser add to the car's aerodynamics. The extensive use of aluminum in the body panels and space frame enhance the GT's performance credentials along with a supercharged 5.4L V8 factory rated for 550 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed manual transmits power to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential. Goodyear Eagle F1 tires are mounted on 18-inch wheels up front and 19-inch wheels in the back.

Inside, the McIntosh CD sound system is likely to see little use in favor of the engine's sweet sounds come from just behind the Sparco carbon fiber seats covered in black leather. A black-leather steering wheel and an abundance of brushed aluminum complete the cabin design. Air conditioning is onboard, as well as a gauge package that includes an offset 200 mph speedometer.