4. BMW M1
The M1 was not a commercial success because BMW only sold in only 453 copies. However, this limited production sports car was tremendously important for the brand and for BMW’s future. This was the first model BMW’s famed M Motorsport division designed and produced, which was previously only responsible for racing cars. Enjoying a long period of commercial success, BMW planned to do enter the exclusive sports car market with a specially-designed model that would show the potential of BMW’s technology and signature style. Basically, BMW needed a halo car and they planned to use the M1 to do just that. However, since BMW didn’t have the experience and know-how to create a limited-production advanced sports car, they turned to Lamborghini. At first, it looked like the deal was successful, but Lamborghini didn’t deliver on time. BMW had to disband its partnership and finish the project themselves.
Finally, they introduced the M1 in 1978, and it was one of the biggest premieres of the year. The heart of this sports car was BMW’s famous M88 six-cylinder engine with 3.5-liters of displacement. It also included advanced fuel injection technology, producing 273 HP. This was a high number for the standards of the day. The M1 was a mid-engined car and the handling was sublime, performing better than most of the competitors. But BMW wanted to go racing, so soon they introduced the M1 racing car. But despite all the qualities and the fantastic design, the M1 wasn’t successful. It was expensive and unavailable in some markets. BMW’s lack of reputation in the sports car class proved to be fatal. So in 1981, they discontinued this model.