[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by MikeRR

Yeah but this is not just any car, its a M1 and they are worth a big pile of money today. So even if you invest a bit you will get it back and even more. And I am sure that the values are going further up in the next years.

@OP: Congrats on the great restoration - I would love to go on a drive with this

Not mine unfortunately....

The M1 is considered by serious car collectors as one of the few classic BMW's (like the 507 and pre war 328). It's value is now comparable to the Lamborghini Countach, which is the standard for this era....

[MalibuBimmer]

Great post. Thanks, Paul-Bracq. The car really looks like its roots -- a Lamborghini.

[CalCarNut]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

Subscribed. Have a real soft spot for these cars:

Tom, that car still in the shop?

Wasn't it Paul Walkers at one time?

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer

Great post. Thanks, Paul-Bracq. The car really looks like its roots -- a Lamborghini.

In fact the genesis of the M1 is different from the Countach as the M1 was conceived (by Lamborghini) as a race car first (group 4) and as a consequence was over engineered for road use. that's why it was such a great handling car, and probably the best handling "super car" of its era.

[F06msportmia]

nothing else to say but

[KevinM]

Just wow. Thanks for posting. I hope this car is still looking just as good!

[RENT-A-GOAT]

Nice thread and what an awesome resto on it.

[RichardP]

This is indeed an amazing restoration with levels of detail that not many obtain. I read the story on the original web site several years ago, and it's interesting to re-read it now, especially as I have some more recent experience of sourcing M1 parts! For example, 10 years ago the price paid for a set of Campagnolo M1 wheels was $1950, today there is a set of second hand ones in reasonable condition (but probably could benefit from a refurb which is nearly impossible) on e-bay for $20,000 and a new set in Germany for €30,000 (about $31,500).

Lots and lots of parts for the M1 are getting harder and harder to find. Parts that I bought a couple of years ago are now NLA from BMW Classic in Germany.

Here are a couple of pictures of mine after spending about 9 months redoing the interior to get it back to the original spec. including new original clock and radio.

[Teutonic]

Originally Posted by greekcs

Why go through all the trouble to strip the paint and then leave the inside portion of the door untouched?

I agree. All the effort and proper steps, strip down everything and cut a such little corner? If went to this extent, with sooo much detail care, why leave this unaddressed? Quite disappointing for me too.

I personally probably choose an original color or something more "alive" but is not my car.

Anyway, wonderful project, wonderful car, enjoy it!

[buzzard]

Great thread. I'll always love the M1. Like so many BMWs, timeless.

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by Tracus

I agree. All the effort and proper steps, strip down everything and cut a such little corner? If went to this extent, with sooo much detail care, why leave this unaddressed? Quite disappointing for me too.

I personally probably choose an original color or something more "alive" but is not my car.

Anyway, wonderful project, wonderful car, enjoy it!

it is an original color, just not for the customers...

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by RichardP

This is indeed an amazing restoration with levels of detail that not many obtain. I read the story on the original web site several years ago, and it's interesting to re-read it now, especially as I have some more recent experience of sourcing M1 parts! For example, 10 years ago the price paid for a set of Campagnolo M1 wheels was $1950, today there is a set of second hand ones in reasonable condition (but probably could benefit from a refurb which is nearly impossible) on e-bay for $20,000 and a new set in Germany for €30,000 (about $31,500).

Lots and lots of parts for the M1 are getting harder and harder to find. Parts that I bought a couple of years ago are now NLA from BMW Classic in Germany.

Here are a couple of pictures of mine after spending about 9 months redoing the interior to get it back to the original spec. including new original clock and radio.

Wow what a beautiful car! The interior looks fantastic too! I wish I bought one when they were still reasonably affordable!

[RichardP]

Originally Posted by Paul-Bracq-BMW

Wow what a beautiful car! The interior looks fantastic too! I wish I bought one when they were still reasonably affordable!

Thanks, it looked like this when I got it



It had been done well, but I wanted it to look original.

I must admit, Grey would not have been my choice. If you want an original colour that's rare then I'd have gone for Polaris Silver, just 2 cars (3 if you count the original prototype), one of which is Bernie Ecclestone's. Ironically, mine had been painted silver and then returned to white



The other original car (not Mr Ecclestone's) was sold recently for just under $1m.

http://www.mintclassics.de/2016/03/21/bmw-m1-polaris/

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by RichardP

Thanks, it looked like this when I got it



It had been done well, but I wanted it to look original.

I must admit, Grey would not have been my choice. If you want an original colour that's rare then I'd have gone for Polaris Silver, just 2 cars (3 if you count the original prototype), one of which is Bernie Ecclestone's. Ironically, mine had been painted silver and then returned to white



The other original car (not Mr Ecclestone's) was sold recently for just under $1m.

http://www.mintclassics.de/2016/03/21/bmw-m1-polaris/

Wow, you were right to return the interior to original spec!

Polaris silver is a great colour, but so is your white. I think the M1 looks good on all the original colours anyway...

As far as value, due to the rarity of these cars and strong demand of blue chip classics, I only see M1's appreciating in the long term...

Enjoy yours in good health!

[chris.t]

Epic thread

[raysspl]

A fantastic read. Thank you for the vivid story-telling!