This fantastic looking M1 was entered in the 1980 LeMans 24hrs IMSA class by BMW France, and was driven by the trio of Didier Pironi, Dieter Quester and Marcel Mignot. They finished 14th overall in the race itself and 4th in the IMSA class, having completed 293 laps of the famous circuit, 45 laps behind the winning Rondeau.
The unusual paint job is literally a map of France (Carte de France) which has lots of BMW logos on it showing the location of French BMW dealers. One prominent difference this M1 has from the Procar race versions is the fuel fillers in both rear quarter windows. They were to allow rapid refueling during pitstops. Otherwise the car is very similar to the Procar M1s with a 3.5 litre straight six in a mid-engined configuration driving the rear wheels.
Minichamps make this attractive model and it is one of several racing BMW M1s released to date. The paintwork and decal application (a weak area on some Minichamps 1:18ths) are good on this car. The model has good engine detail, but a basic interior (as on the real car). Neither the pop up headlights or the front hood open, as is the case on all Minichamps M1s. A nice model of an unusual looking car.
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