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BMW Builds Tribute to Legendary M1

Thirty years ago to this day, BMW introduced their first and only supercar to date,

The size and shape are pretty near identical to the original. The details, however, are 100-percent modern. (Photo: BMW)

the M1. The mid-engine exotic was a homologation special, designed for motorsport racing, but by the time the car was ready for the road the rules for the series in which it was to compete in had rendered it ineligible. Having spent the funds and the engineering to build the car, the M1 did go on to race in a specific one-model race series (M1 Procar), and later in the IMSA GTO series. It also competed in a variety of endurance races. Between 1978 and 1981, BMW built 455 M1s, 56 of which ended up being special built as racecars.

To celebrate the M1's 30th anniversary, BMW created the M1 Homage, which it unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este, a classic automobile show with a focus on design and beauty. Anyone who is familiar with the M1 will instantly recognize the Homage's heritage. With its 1970s wedgy profile, retro

It may not have pop-up lights, but it has twin BMW roundels on its backside. (Photo: BMW)

wheel design, louvered rear window and dual BMW emblems in the rear it is an M1 for the modern era. What it doesn't have are pop-up headlamps; instead, they are tucked away under the front lip of the hood. Up front, BMW's trademark twin kidney grille lets those unfamiliar with the original M1 know that this is indeed a BMW.

As the car is merely a styling exercise, no mention of its powertrain was made, nor does there appear to be an interior. So, is there any chance of production? Well, Audi has proven with the R8 that Porsche isn't the only German brand capable of wooing supercar buyers, so we'll have wait and see if BMW is content to let Ingolstadt get all the glory.

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