Alpina could have kept the BMW M1 from disappearing

One of the most iconic sports cars from the Bavarian firm is the BMW M1, which was introduced in 1978. This rear mid-engined sports car is considered the father of BMW’s M range, but unfortunately history shows us why its production did not continue, even though Alpina was the key to everything. Perhaps the costs, or perhaps the excessive changes they had to make for the specialist manufacturer of BMW models to decide to produce it, shaped the future of the M1.

The BMW M1 went out of production in 1981, but history could have been different if Alpina had been involved. According to the company’s founder, Burkard Bovensiepen, BMW approached them and asked whether they would be interested in continuing production of the model. The company saw the opportunity as interesting and drew up a list of necessary changes that would have to be carried out for the sports car to become more competitive.

The most important change Alpina wanted to implement in the BMW M1 was to increase the wheelbase of the car. Bovensiepen argues that the cabin was too narrow, since the car was originally designed for competition. According to the founder: “The needs of passengers and everyday driving ability were really not taken into account.”

Alpina also required that one of its engines be installed, which made it necessary to modify the architecture, as well as create an improved cooling system. Unfortunately, Alpina ultimately declined the idea of continuing to build the BMW M1. Given the level of changes required and the costs that this would entail, it is not difficult to understand why.

Source | Car & Driver