BMW Group Classic decided to enter the Le Mans Classic, in cooperation with BMW Motorsport and BMW France, to mark the centenary of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

It was a blast from the past as the drivers, fans, and media representatives all gathered together to recreate a special moment from 1981. The event was a nod to the company's involvement in the upcoming 24-hour race, bringing back memories of the BMW M1 Group 4 in "Münchener Wirtshaus" livery. HRH Prince Leopold of Bavaria expressed his excitement about driving the iconic car at Le Mans once again, after 42 years. Having his friends Christian Danner and Peter Oberndorfer by his side made the experience even more special, allowing them to take a trip down memory lane in a truly unique way. It's moments like these that remind us of the rich history and camaraderie in the world of racing, and the importance of celebrating these milestones together.

The engine in this car is quite impressive, with six separate throttle bodies, twin cams, and 4 valves per cylinder. It packs a punch with a power output of 277 PS (204 kW; 273 hp) at 6,500 rpm and 330 N⋅m (243 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 5,000 rpm in the road version. This means the car can reach a top speed of 265 km/h (165 mph), which is pretty fast! The engine's design allows for efficient airflow and power delivery, making it a force to be reckoned with on the road. It's no wonder this car is a speed demon with these specs under the hood!

In 1972, BMW created BMW M GmbH, previously known as BMW Motorsport GmbH, as a subsidiary dedicated to managing its racing program. This move allowed BMW to focus on developing high-performance vehicles for both the track and the road. The first car to bear the iconic M-badge and be available for purchase by the public was the M1. This marked the beginning of BMW's journey into producing a range of high-performance vehicles under the M division, known for their superior driving dynamics and precision engineering. Through the years, BMW M GmbH has continued to push the boundaries of automotive excellence, captivating car enthusiasts worldwide with their thrilling driving experience and unparalleled performance.