Niki Lauda’s Legendary Car Hits the Auction Block
Mecum Auction House is set to auction a remarkable 1979 BMW M1, previously owned by renowned Formula 1 champion Niki Lauda. This vehicle, a true collector’s item, boasts a low mileage of only 20,350 kilometers.
Niki Lauda’s Legendary Car: The 1979 BMW M1
The BMW M1 is celebrated for its racing heritage and stunning design. It was developed partly for the Monocup racing series, where participants drove identical cars. During the Procar series, conducted as support events for Formula 1 in 1979 and 1980, Lauda clinched victory in the inaugural season, earning this exceptional sports car as a prize.
Unique Features of the M1
What makes this M1 particularly enticing are its original features. Key highlights include:
- Original Campagnolo wheels, painted white
- Distinctive front bumper design inspired by racing models
- 3.5-liter inline-six engine producing 277 hp
This combination delivers both performance and precision engineering, qualities that enthusiasts admire. Only around 400 road-going M1 units were produced, with an additional 50 specifically for racing, making these vehicles highly coveted.
Collector’s Appeal
The rarity of the M1, especially one with such a significant provenance, elevates its market value. Cars like this often exceed half a million dollars at auction. For collectors, owning a vehicle once driven by a legend like Niki Lauda not only carries historical significance but also emotional weight.
With its pristine condition and exceptional background, this BMW M1 is expected to draw considerable interest from collectors around the world when it hits the auction block in January.
