For BMW, the M1 personifies its stature as the highest expression of automotive art: the 'M' signifies all engineering projects BMW deems of substance, while the '1' stands for the importance in the automaker's engineering history. Built out of a desire to replace the 3.0 CSL race cars, the M1 was envisioned as a state-of-the-art road car transformed into an all-out racer. Unfortunately for BMW and the M1, it arrived in the late '70s, as the pendulum of public opinion swung away from silhouette cars.

Related: 10 Most Underappreciated Cars Of The '70s

BMW M1s languished in the corners of garages and collections, undervalued and misunderstood for decades. But time is all that automobiles like the now legendary M1 require. Enthusiasts eventually warm up to remarkable vehicles from the past, and they finally receive the love they deserve. Today, it takes a small fortune to get your hands on a BMW M1, with the best examples demanding higher prices at auctions and private sales. The BMW M1's spark may have glowed and faded in the past, but here are the reasons why this car was a worldwide sensation and why it continues to shine once again.

10 BMW Built The M1 As A Homologation Special

BMW M1
via BMW

Jochen Neerpasch, the BMW motorsport division's head in the '70s, initiated the M1 project to rival Porsche in Group-5 racing. However, due to setbacks and production delays from a collapsed partnership with Lamborghini, changes in Group 5 rules forced BMW to build the M1 for Group 4 racing.

BMW M1
via BMW

Group 4 racing regulations mandated automakers to a production run of at least 400 road going versions of any competing car, and they would have to resemble the race cars strongly. Considering BMW Motorsport focused on turning road cars into formidable racers, the homologation requirements had not been deemed a challenge.

9 Giorgio Giugiaro Created The M1's Pioneering Design

BMW M1
by Malusi Msomi via Unsplash

The M1's shape traces back to the 1972 BMW Turbo concept designed by Paul Bracq, noted for his incredible work at Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Citroën, and BMW. With the M1, Giorgio Giugiaro created a timeless design and a pioneering body type that cemented the car's place in automotive history.

Related: 10 Awesome Pininfarina Designs That Weren’t Ferraris

BMW M1 1979
via BMW

Giugiaro successfully presented an impressive combination of aesthetics and sportiness through the M1's dynamic and striking wedge shape. The distinctive look is characterized by a flat kidney at the front, folding headlights, and black slats over the rear window.

8 Each M1 Model Was Handmade

BMW M1
by nakhon100 via Flickr

Part of the M1's design appeal comes from its low height of 1.14 meters, a feature that proves fundamental in achieving a low center of gravity. However, the execution of the car's incredible Italian lines was undoubtedly the most crucial ingredient.

BMW M1
by nakhon100 viaFlickr

After Lamborghini's financial troubles, Italengineering and Marchesi stepped up to complete the fiberglass body design and chassis for the M1 project. The companies hand-built every model on homologation specifications according to Group 4 regulations, delivering a total of 460 examples.

7 The M1 Boasts BMW's First Mass-Produced Mid-Engine Layout

BMW M1 1979
via BMW

Jochen Neerpasch stressed that the M1 was to be strictly mid-engine, a decision that set the table for BMW's first mass-produced mid-engine model. The road version received a 3.5-liter inline-six petrol engine with four valves per cylinder and a mechanical injection, an impressive configuration that was far ahead of its time.

BMW M1 1979
via BMW

BMW's M Division utilized the M1's empty weight of 2,866lbs to create a mid-engine concept with the ideal weight distribution necessary for the car's outstanding handling characteristics. The high-performance M1 was the first product from BMW Motorsport GmbH, making it the trailblazer for all the iconic models that the division has built over the years.

6 The M1 Signified Teutonic Performance

BMW M1
via BMW

To date, the pure performance data of the M1 is evident and undeniable. The petrol engine delivers 277hp and 243lb-ft of torque, while the impressive 159mph made it the fastest German road sports car in the '70s.

Related: BMW Celebrates 50 Years Of The M Name

1979 BMW M1
via BMW

Internally designated as the M88, the engine's long-standing success ensured it served as the basis for the engines that BMW eventually fitted in the M635i and the first M5 model. BMW optimized all aspects of the M1, ensuring this exceptional athlete handles the challenges of the track while mastering all the requirements for a road license.

5 BMW Devised A One-Make Championship For The M1

BMW M1 - 1979
by David Merrett via Flickr

Aside from the homologation specials, the M1's legendary status was guaranteed by the M1 Procar. Jochen Neerpasch introduced a one-make championship for the M1 Procar to enter Group 4 classification in the World Championship for Makes. The BMW Procar Series was a spectacular racing series that ran as a support category for most European Formula 1 races in 1979 and 1980.

1979 BMW M1
by David Merrett via Flickr

The series allowed the five fastest drivers from Grand Prix practice sessions to race against well-known racers, private drivers, and up-and-coming talents. Furthermore, the crowds got the opportunity to see their favorite drivers in close action for more than one race on the weekends.

4 The M1 Campaigned At The 24 Hours Of Le Mans

BMW M1
by MaximeAgnelli via Unsplash

The success of the BMW Procar Series spawned various M1 racing versions that competed in national championships such as the American IMSA GTO Championship and the German Automobile Racing Championship. Other versions also campaigned at the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1979 and 1986.

BMW M1
by Maxime Agnelli via Unsplash

Unfortunately, the M1 Procar did not post a memorable campaign in the years it participated. Marcel Mignot and Manfred Winkelhock finished sixth in 1979, the best result throughout the campaign. Nonetheless, the numerous competition-form M1 models are now some of the most popular collector's items.

3 The M1 Achieved Slight Success In Group B Racing

BMW M1 1119
by Jaeger-Meister via Flickr

Rallying was fast becoming a popular sport in the late '70s, and Reseau BMW France realized an opportunity to boost the M1's publicity, since most French rally championships ran on the tarmac. The M1 Rallye carried over specifications and parts from the M1 Procar Series, but the engine got modified to produce 424hp.

Related: 10 Group B Rally Monsters That Couldn't Be Tamed

BMW M1
by More Cars via Flickr

Although the Rallye model offered more power than any other rally car upon its debut, the race car was plagued by a slew of early tournament retirements. Despite being heavy, large, and expensive to run, the M1 enjoyed a bit of success with 2nd place podium finishes in both the 1982 ADAC Rallye Vorderpfalz and 1983 Rallye d'Antibes.

2 The M1 Is The Only True Supercar BMW Ever Built

BMW M1
by PS Parrot via Flickr

The conception, construction, and racing career of the BMW M1 were far from trouble-free, but it remains one of the most legendary BMWs ever built. Introduced as street-legal racing cars, the M1s went a little further to offer supercar equaling performance.

BMW M1
via BMW

In addition, BMW and Jochen Neerpasch had to tackle their inexperience in designing and building a mid-engine supercar with the newly formed M-Division. Eventually, BMW and most gearheads have come to appreciate the M1 for what it is; a superb machine both to look at and to drive.

BMW M1 Art Car
by Nik Azwaa Azmi via Flick

The M1 was not exactly a commercial success for BMW, but the legendary car made history through the BMW Art Car Series. French auctioneer and hobby racecar driver Herve Poulain trades the BMW Art Cars as works of art, and they are practically priceless. American Pop Artist Andy Warhol stamped the M1's popularity by elaborately decorating the exterior design of a version of the Procar.

BMW M1
via BMW

According to BMW, Andy Warhol's designed M1 is revered as one of the most valuable BMW M cars of all time. This particular Procar holds significant provenance, having competed in the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans as the first instance of BMW performance art.