Est: £863,000 - £1,035,600
1981 Sauber BMW M1 Group 5
Italy • 16 May 2026 • Lot 224
Vehicle Details
AI Listing Summary
This is a Sauber BMW M1 chassis number 81.M1R.01, a purpose-built Group 5 race car with a rich history, including participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Recently restored with extensive documentation, it's ready for homologation and a return to racing.
Condition
7
Restored, circuit use, some wear
/ 10
[Transmission]
Transmission:
81.M1R.01
Chassis No:
Odometer:
[Odometer Reading]
[Reg Number]
Reg Number:
RHD/LHD:
LHD
Chassis No.
81.M1R.01
Engine No.
M88/1-507
Covering the 1981 Nürburgring 1000 km, the May 28 issue of Autosport was unequivocal: "Of most technical interest were two new Group 5 BMW M1s, both built by the Sauber Team and driven by Stuck/Piquet and Surer/Quester, qualifying fifth and tenth respectively [...] both were highly spectacular and beautifully prepared." In spring 1981, the automotive press already cast the BMW M1 as Porsche's most credible Group 5 challenger.
1981 Formula One World Champion Nelson Piquet, at the wheel, didn't mince words: "It feels much better than the Group 4 Procar I drove [...] it's about 15–20 seconds a lap quicker, and we've got a real shot at winning."
Both the Sauber and GS Tuning entries, built from the ground up by Sauber Motorsport with BMW support, were the only two BMW M1s purpose-built for Group 5.
Without a doubt the globally famous Swiss engineering outfit, Sauber Motorsport AG, needs no introduction yet the company's lesser-known e...
Points of note
£278,703
Lowest Price (Since 2020)
£438,938
Median Price (Since 2020)
£682,010
Highest Price (Since 2020)
World Record
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