A Rare Find for Collectors

Broad Arrow Auctions is preparing to feature a remarkable 1981 BMW M1 at its upcoming Zürich sale. This particular vehicle stands out for several reasons that appeal directly to discerning collectors: it has remained under Swiss ownership since new, features a verified 4,842 km on the odometer, and possesses an intriguing lineage linked to the famous Seger & Hoffmann firm. With a chassis number identifying it as the second-to-last road-going example ever manufactured, the car carries a pre-auction estimate of CHF 450,000 to CHF 500,000.


The Seger & Hoffmann Legacy

The vehicle (chassis 4301450) was completed on March 5, 1981, originally finished in white with a black cloth interior. It was sold through BMW Switzerland to Seger & Hoffmann, a company deeply intertwined with BMW Motorsport history. Known for building bodywork for M1 Procar racers and sponsoring Sauber-run entries, the firm had a particular passion for the M1, even aiming to own an example in every color. Consequently, this specific car was repainted in the red livery it sports today.

Following the company's financial downturn in 1984, the collection was acquired by Peter Bachmann. By 1986, specialist Fredy Gretener was commissioned to restore the vehicle. During this process, the car received an engine from chassis 4301445—a replacement that remains in the vehicle today. Records indicate the odometer was essentially reset upon reinstallation, supporting the accuracy of its exceptionally low mileage.


Decades of Careful Preservation

For the past four decades, the M1 has seen minimal road use. After a brief registration in 1983, it was stored, only to be preserved meticulously by Gretener for years. Notable points of its recent history include:

  • 2013: Awarded Swiss Veteran Vehicle status with just 2,674 km recorded.
  • 2013: Sold to the current owner, with Gretener continuing to oversee its maintenance.
  • 2023: Mechanical servicing and seat re-padding using original components to address 42 years of aging.

Market Context and Significance

While the Hagerty Price Guide suggests significant value for top-tier Concours-condition M1s, this auction lot presents a unique scenario. As noted in the catalog, the engine is not the original unit, which is a factor prospective buyers will need to weigh against the car's low mileage, unbroken Swiss pedigree, and historical ties to motorsport legends.

The BMW M1 holds a special place in automotive history as the brand's first independent project for the M division. Developed with a mid-engine layout and a tubular space-frame chassis designed by Gianpaolo Dallara, the car was styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Although its launch was hampered by the fuel crisis of the late 1970s, the model cemented its legacy through the legendary Procar series, driven by champions like Niki Lauda and Nelson Piquet.