BMW M1 (1979)

Chassis no. 4301043 | Engine no. M88-113 | Matching Numbers

An exceptional, highly documented example of BMW’s first and most iconic mid-engined supercar.Finished in its original and extraordinarily rare Grau (ref. 211) over Black, this BMW M1 stands out not only for its condition and provenance, but for its position at the very beginning of M1 production — being the first Grey road car ever produced.

Model & Historical Significance

The BMW M1 occupies a unique place in automotive history. Conceived as a homologation special and developed during BMW Motorsport’s formative years, the M1 remains the only true mid-engine road car ever produced by BMW.

Styled by Italdesign and assembled through a complex collaboration involving Italdesign, Ital Engineering and Baur, the M1 is both an engineering landmark and a cornerstone of BMW Motorsport history.

In total, 399 road-going BMW M1s were produced.

Rarity & Specification

Among those 399 road cars, only four were finished in Grey (paint code 211), of which only 3 are known as of today.

This example is particularly significant:

• Chassis number: 4301043

• Engine number: M88-113

• Matching numbers & matching colors

• The very first Grey (211) BMW M1 produced

• Factory Black interior

All specifications are supported by factory data and period documentation.

Production Timeline

• 25 January 1979 – Fiberglass body built by Italdesign

• Transferred to Ital Engineering for preparation

• February 1979 – Final assembly completed by Baur, Stuttgart

• First Grey (211) BMW M1 delivered to a customer

  
  

This places the car among the very earliest M1 road cars produced.

Ownership History

The car benefits from a particularly well-documented and traceable ownership history, supported by period invoices and official registration documents on file:

• 19 January 1981 – Registered in the United States to Cheng Wengping, 3237 N Delmar Avenue, Rosemead, California 91770.The car remained registered in his name at least until 11 September 1984 (copy of original U.S. registration on file).

• Subsequently handled and marketed by European Auto Mart, Del Mar, California,including a used-car invoice totaling 143,888 DM.

• During this period, the car was publicly displayed by European Auto Mart at:2683K Via de la Valle, Del Mar, California 92014, USA.

• 6 September 1988 – Sold by European Auto Mart to Horst B.,Bamberg, West Germany, for 58,500 DM.

• 17 September 2014 – Owned by Christian B.,Stegaurach, Germany(German registration documents on file).

• December 2016 – Acquired by the current owner from Mint Classics GmbH, one of the leading BMW specialists in Munich.

Restoration & Mechanical Condition

Between 2017 and 2018, the car underwent an extensive program of works carried out by BMW Classic at BMW headquarters in Munich.

Key points include:

• €63,000 of restoration and mechanical work in 2017

• €9,700 of additional work in 2018, including a new clutch

• Engine, gearbox, suspension, braking, cooling, and fuel systems addressed

• Correct detailing throughout, respecting original factory specifications

  
  

A BMW Classic letter dated 16 July 2018 confirms that Walter Maurer painted the lower section of the car in accordance with original production methods.

Mileage, Registration & Usability

• Current mileage: 38,473 km (original mileage)

• Carefully maintained following completion of BMW Classic works

• Currently Belgian road registered

• Valid Belgian technical control

• Car is ready for immediate road use

Collectability & Market Position

Early-production BMW M1s with:

• ultra-low production colors,

• matching numbers,

• BMW Classic restoration,

• complete provenance,

are increasingly rare and tightly held.

Being one of only four Grey road cars, and the first of its kind, this example sits among the most desirable BMW M1s in existence.

In September 2019, it was Officially invited to the Zoute Grand Prix Concours d’Elegance, which had a BMW special selection.

A reference-level BMW M1, combining rarity, provenance, factory restoration, and immediate usability.An exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the most significant and correctly presented BMW supercars ever produced.

The car is visible in Wavre, near Brussels, Belgium, by appointment.