espite being born in a digital age and equipped with the many digital tools our modern and busy lives demand, the 1M retains that true analogue feel that the old school motoring enthusiast still craves. BMW fully succeeded in delivering this. Simplicity was the key. Rear wheel, drive, front engine, proper manual gearbox with a clutch and plenty of German horses under the bonnet.

We live in an era of hands free dialling, touch screen controls and flappy paddles. The 1M with its 6 speed manual gearbox is a joy for the true petrol head who loves real driving rather than switching to auto pilot.

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Long term Motorsport owners and enthusiasts were highly cynical of a turbo charged M car, however once behind the wheel the purist’s doubts quickly dissolved. This breathed on N54T engine delivered 335 bhp and when full throttle settings are used in conjunction with all 6 gear ratios,  the 1M becomes a perfectly balanced true hooligan’s delight.  Twin staged turbo charging gives a staggering torque figure of 500 Nm, which means this Jekyll and Hyde engine will pull itself along at 1100rpm with the ability of being both docile and mind bending. Suspension is kept simple, with no EDC offered as an option. Incredible grip through the 19” rims and staggered 245 front and 265 rear tyres give the 1M go cart style handling. The knowledge you are driving one of only 450 cars produced adds to that very special feeling.