A late production BMW M1 – registered in the UK, clocked 39,500km and painted midnight blue – is for sale. Registered on December 29, 1980, this M1 is described as one of the last cars to roll off the assembly line, delivered new through the main BMW concessionaires in Kontich, Belgium, before beginning a cross-border life and entering long-term collector ownership.
One of the last M1s, in a color you don’t see every day
The core trim is exactly what you’d want: glossy midnight blue exterior, black leather/gray cloth interior and those unique supercar proportions – low nose, wide hips and pop-up headlights that instantly date it to the best possible era. According to Hero Motor Company, this BMW M1 has been the cornerstone of their collection for 15 years and is now offered as standard from the factory – the only downside is the half-leather motorcycle seats, which they describe as an expensive upgrade. They also claim that the color itself is a big part of the appeal: one of 59 road cars (and two race cars) in midnight blue, a detail that will be significant to people who keep blueprints in the bedside drawer.
The car is said to have retained its service books, workshop manual, tool kit, first aid kit, radio and manual – along with original BMW sales material, including some truly obscure items: the luggage brochure, the upholstery brochure and a 1980 motorsport accessories catalog.
The ownership story reads like an M1
According to the research accompanying the car, it was first registered to SA Multi European Associates – presumably a leasing company – in 1980, suggesting that the M1 was originally used as a company car for a senior executive. From there the car changed hands a few times, including in Quebec, Canada, who later moved the M1 back to Switzerland. Eventually it ended up with another collector and was displayed in his own museum. He kept the car for 27 years and used it sparingly – often with special collector’s plates.
One of the most interesting pieces of context in the file has nothing to do with horsepower or color codes. It’s a reminder that the M1 was never officially sold in the UK, although UK buyers still found a way. The listing claims the cars were marketed as ‘ex works’ by BMW Motorsport, with buyers having to import them in person and servicing to be carried out by BMW GB in Reading. It also highlights how absurdly expensive the M1 was when it arrived to customers. Taking into account taxes at the time – 10% special motor vehicle tax and 17.5% VAT – the alleged “UK list price” was £37,500, which is around £160,000 in today’s currency.
On paper, every M1 is the same: mid-engine layout, BMW’s legendary inline-six, wedge design, motorsport pedigree and low production numbers. But the market does not value “M1” as a single thing. It evaluates condition, originality, completeness and history. A car that is close to factory specifications, retains its service records and still has the original booklets and booklets will always fetch a high price. And that’s it listed at £495,000. For images and details visit HereMotorCompany.
