Magnificent 1981 BMW M1 E26 restored by Ronnie Fieg

The BMW M1 is the genesis of BMW M, the very first creation of the Motorsport Division. Developed in the late 1970s, this Italian-designed, German-engineered car has become an automotive icon, thanks to its progressive design and respected racing heritage.

American clothing designer, Ronnie Fieg, teamed up with BMW to rebuild and redesign a unique 1981 BMW M1 E26 for this third chapter. Rebuilt by BMW Classic, every component is sourced from genuine stock, while the customisations have also been overseen and developed by BMW. The car's exterior is painted in Techno Violet (paint code 299) and features a Kith BMW M badge on the rear bonnet. The interior is finished in black BMW Individual merino leather, which bears a Kith monogram motif over its entire surface. This pattern is found on the centre panels and headrests of both seats, the gear lever, door inserts and floor mats.

Gallery: 1981 BMW M1 E26 by Ronnie Fieg

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Source: BMW

The performance capabilities of the M1 engine are still evident today. The in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine in the road version delivers 277 PS and generates maximum torque of 330 Nm. It draws this power from a displacement of 3.5 litres. Its four valves per cylinder, combined with mechanical fuel injection, were far ahead of their time, while its impressive top speed of around 165 mph made the BMW M1 the fastest German road sports car of its day.

Ronnie Fieg's 1981 BMW M1 E26 will be on display at the Kith for BMW Showcase in Miami on 6 December, alongside the BMW XM Kith Concept 2025 and Ronnie Fieg's personal collection of custom BMWs.

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A celebration at Miami Art Basel

To celebrate the launch of this third chapter, BMW and the Kith brand are organising a special one-day pop-up and exhibition in the setting that inspired the colour's history, Miami. This experience coincides with Art Basel 2024 and takes place on 6 December.

The two brands occupy the 7th floor of the car park at 1111 Lincoln Road, where Ronnie Fieg's 1981 BMW M1 E26 and 2025 BMW XM Kith Concept are displayed alongside Ronnie Fieg's personal collection of rare BMWs. This includes the three cars in Chapter I (the 1989 BMW M3 E30 by Ronnie Fieg, the 2021 BMW M4 Competition Kith Design Study and the 2021 BMW M4 Competition by Kith), the two cars in Chapter II (the 1972 BMW 1602 Elektro by Ronnie Fieg and the 2022 BMW i40 M50 by Kith), as well as other previously unseen models from Ronnie Fieg's collection.