The BMW M1 Procar is a legendary sports car that was produced between 1978 and 1981. The M1 was the result of a collaboration between Paul Bracq and Giorgio Giugiaro, who influenced the aesthetic design and innovative look of this iconic vehicle. Originally conceived as both a street version and a racing version, the M1 was one of the few BMW vehicles to feature a mid-engine configuration. The Procar series was specifically designed for the racetrack and gained great popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. The successor to the M1 was the BMW M635CSi, which did not retain the same mid-engine layout as the M1.
Technically impressive, the BMW M1 Procar featured a 3.5-liter inline-six-cylinder engine developed by Paul Rosche, capable of producing up to 470 HP in the racing version. The vehicle had a tubular steel frame chassis, a fiberglass body, and a race-tuned double-wishbone suspension system at the front and rear. The exceptional performance data and aerodynamic design led to remarkable results on the racetrack, especially in the Procar series. This series ran from 1979 to 1980 and was considered an excellent platform for Formula 1 drivers to compete in equal vehicles.
The BMW M1 Procar was particularly successful in the racing series. Well-known drivers such as Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet, and Hans-Joachim Stuck participated in the Procar series and achieved remarkable results. In 1979, Niki Lauda won the Procar championship title, highlighting the successful career of this model. The series provided a unique competition platform, allowing drivers to showcase their skills and promoting the technical advancement of the M1.
The model depicted showcases a distinctive paintwork in the typical BMW motorsport colors: white, blue, and red. These colors were often used for the BMW M1 Procar and are a prominent feature of this vehicle. The car carries the number 27 and displays sponsor decals like Shell and FLY. The design is eye-catching and represents the motorsport successes of that era. Every stripe and detail in the design of the model reflects the rich racing heritage of the car.
The 1/18 scale model car from Minichamps offers a detailed replica of the BMW M1 Procar. Made from diecast material, it stands out for its high quality and precision. Collectors like "Carjunky" on Modelly appreciate the accurate representation of the racing car's paintwork and the true-to-life details such as the sponsor decals and specific Procar design features. The wheels, tire treads, and even the smaller details like the front and rear lights have been carefully recreated. A look at the photos shows the attention to detail that has been put into this model, from the aerodynamic front to the distinctive rear spoiler.