A piece of automotive and Formula 1 royalty is preparing to change hands as the 1980 BMW M1 originally gifted to the legendary Niki Lauda heads to auction. This isn’t just one of the 399 road-legal examples ever produced; it is a “trophy car,” awarded to the three-time F1 World Champion for his dominance in the inaugural 1979 BMW M1 Procar Championship. Crossing the block at Mecum’s Kissimmee sale on January 17, 2026, this mid-engine marvel represents the pinnacle of BMW’s “M” division history.
Finished in a pristine white, the car is a rolling work of art, featuring hand-painted BMW Motorsport tri-color stripes signed by the renowned Walter Maurer. Unlike standard road versions, Lauda’s M1 boasts a rare Procar-style front air dam, giving it an aggressive silhouette that mirrors the race cars he steered to victory at Monaco and Silverstone. Under the rear louvers lies the iconic 3.5L inline-six engine, delivering 266 HP through a five-speed ZF manual transmission—a powertrain that could propel this Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed wedge to 165 MPH.
Inside, the cabin remains a time capsule of 1980s luxury, featuring blue leather upholstery, air conditioning, and a period-correct Becker Europa stereo. With a remarkably low 20,350 kilometers (approx. 12,650 miles) on the odometer and a highly detailed undercarriage, the car’s condition is as impeccable as its provenance. Estimated to fetch between $625,000 and $675,000 USD, this M1 offers a rare opportunity to own a vehicle that was not merely owned, but earned, by one of the greatest drivers in racing history. Checkout Mecum’s for more information.
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