If there is one question that pervades the car collecting hobby it is 'is it Art?', in this case, there can be no denying it, in fact it is arguable that this is one of the greatest expressions of the car as art that exists anywhere in the world. Bonhams is truly honored to present this fabulous BMW on behalf of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Its proceeds will be used to fund other acquisitions.

The BMW M1

A proposed Group 5 'Silhouette Formula' for production-based cars triggered the 'M1' program in the mid-1970s, a mid-engined concept car designed in-house at BMW by Paul Bracq providing the basis. Ex-racing driver Jochen Neerpasch was responsible for initiating this ambitious project, whose aims included taking on rivals Porsche in the World Sportscar Championship and, ultimately, victory at Le Mans. Development was contracted first to Lamborghini and then to Giorgetto Giugiaro's ItalDesign, although almost all cars ended up being finished in Germany.