The rare silver M1 supercar from BMW is poised to turn heads at Sotheby’s Miami auction, with bidding opening on March 1 according to the auction house’s site. The car’s story promises to captivate collectors who chase both automotive history and scarce performance legends.
According to the lot description, the vehicle’s provenance is exhaustively documented. A total of 450 examples of this model were built, yet only 399 were certified for street use. The remaining units were crafted strictly for high-profile endurance races and for BMW’s Monocup program, underscoring the M1’s racing pedigree as well as its road-going pedigree.
Among the road-going cars, just three rolled out of the factory in a silver finish. The auction car, however, showcases Polaris—a shade described as unique—and marks a significant milestone as the first model developed by BMW’s M division, which would go on to redefine the brand’s performance ethos.
With just over 17,000 kilometers on the odometer, the vehicle sits in a remarkably low mileage band for a car of its age. Sotheby’s estimates a final price in the range of $750,000 to $950,000, a figure that reflects its rarity, condition, and the iconic status of the M1 in both automotive circles and collector markets.
Earlier this year, an online auction saw a BMW M1 change hands for a notably lower amount—$552,000. That sale involved a car with similarly low mileage, but one owner opted for a modified body design and modern equipment, a transformation that can affect collector value when attempting to compare different examples of the model.
Market observers note that bidders from various regions have shown sustained interest in BMW M1s, including buyers who monitor high-end catalog auctions for historically significant sports cars. In some cases, officials and public-sector buyers have evaluated such purchases, prompting discussions about provenance and eligibility when rare vehicles appear in public auctions. This M1, with its pristine documentation and factory-accurate Polaris finish, is positioned to appeal to discerning collectors who value originality and a clear lineage as part of long-term investment potential.