BMW M1(diecast 1:18, Norev (Modelissimo))

modelcar BMW M1 produced by Norev (Modelissimo) 1:18

Original:
BMW M1 (from 1978)
Model producer:
Norev (Modelissimo)
Scale:
1:18
Motorized:
Showcase model / No engine
Material:
diecast
Color:
red
Source:
locale dealer
Condition:
Perfect mint condition
Packaging:
Original packaging does not exist
For sale:
Not for sale

modelcar BMW M1 produced by Norev (Modelissimo) 1:18 2

Icon of the German mid‑engine scene: The BMW M1 at a glance

The car this model is based on is the BMW M1, internally called the E26, built between 1978–1981. The BMW M1 was the first standalone road car from BMW’s motorsport division and was developed with a clear goal: homologation for Group 4 and Group 5 racing. The design was by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who turned a futuristic study by Paul Bracq (the BMW Turbo) into a production‑ready shape. Project lead at BMW Motorsport was Jochen Neerpasch and experienced engineer Gian Paolo Dallara also contributed to chassis and suspension. Technically, the BMW M1 uses a longitudinally mounted mid‑engine: the inline six M88 with 3.5 liters (0.92 US gallons) displacement, four‑valve technology and dry‑sump lubrication. The road version makes about 204 kW (277 PS; roughly 274 hp) and reaches around 262 km/h (162.8 mph), paired with a ZF five‑speed gearbox and four ventilated disc brakes. Its motorsport success showed up most clearly in the Procar series in 1979/80. There wasn’t a direct BMW road‑car predecessor; the M1’s sporting DNA came more from BMW’s touring‑car efforts like the 3.0 CSL.

modelcar BMW M1 produced by Norev (Modelissimo) 1:18 3

Historical context, technical data and the production process

When the BMW M1 debuted in 1978, world events like the Camp David Accords, the election of Pope John Paul II and the launch of the first Navstar/GPS satellites help place it in time. Technically the BMW M1 was advanced for its era: tubular frame chassis, double‑wishbone suspension all around, rack‑and‑pinion steering and weight distribution that benefits from the mid‑engine layout. Curb weight is about 1,300–1,350 kg (2,866–2,976 lb). It accelerates 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in roughly 5.6 seconds. Production was decentralized: the frame was built in Modena, bodies by Italdesign, and final assembly later at Baur in Stuttgart; BMW supplied the M88 engine from Munich. The E26 is therefore a rare German‑Italian cooperation in sports‑car building, partly triggered by delays with the originally planned partner Lamborghini. On the road the BMW M1 stood out with its low wedge shape, flush pop‑up headlights and a single wiper mounted off‑center on the windshield — all signatures you can spot on the model shown here.

modelcar BMW M1 produced by Norev (Modelissimo) 1:18 4

The Norev (Modelissimo) model in detail — execution, proportions and visible features

The photos show a 1/18 scale model from Norev (Modelissimo) that follows a production BMW M1. It’s a diecast metal piece, so it has a nice, tangible weight and crisp panel edges. The example belongs to Modelissimo member “mihals.” The look of the original is well captured: the flat front end with the closed pop‑up headlights and the narrow kidney grille are clearly visible. At the rear you can see the side air intakes around the C‑pillar and the long engine cover with its characteristic creases that continue the car’s lines. The paint appears to be an even, opaque red with a black trim line along the beltline; BMW roundels up front and side marker lights are applied separately. The glass fits neatly, and the single roof‑mounted wiper is reproduced as a separate part — a small detail of the real BMW M1 that often gets missed. The wheels show the typical smooth centers with slotted openings and black center caps; the exact wheel manufacturer can’t be identified from the photos alone. The model carries a license plate “MS • M1,” which makes it look nicer in the display without pretending to be a historically accurate plate. The body proportions — short front overhangs, emphasis on the rear axle and a low beltline — convincingly reflect the original’s dimensions.

modelcar BMW M1 produced by Norev (Modelissimo) 1:18 5

Collector notes, color scheme and place in the M history

For collectors it’s useful to know this 1/18 diecast from Norev (Modelissimo) is a solid, durable piece — the diecast construction helps with longevity and gives it a reassuring heft. The red/black combo echoes period colors for the BMW M1; the red body contrasts nicely with black trim strips, mirror housings and lower valances. Up front you get the small rectangular indicators and the narrow intake, while the side view emphasizes the shallow windshield and gently rising roofline. The model doesn’t try to fake age and presents a well‑kept road‑car look. In BMW’s history the BMW M1 stands alone as the brand’s mid‑engine road car; after it ended, BMW M’s road cars moved back toward front/mid engines like the M635 CSi and later the M3. On the motorsport side the Procar series is a unique chapter where F1 drivers raced identical BMW M1s. For the model‑car scene this diecast version offers a clear, recognizable rendering of the original’s geometry and a tasteful color choice that fits nicely in a display with other late‑1970s/early‑1980s sports cars. In “mihals”’s collection it’s a straightforward reference piece to one of Germany’s most important sports cars from that era.

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