There are some truly iconic and landmark cars from manufacturers throughout the decades that have spawned motorsport revolutions and indeed rivalries within the industry. Stuttgart produced such a car back in the late 1970's in the shape of the BMW M1.

Originally to be built by Lamborghini, the Italian company had to withdraw due to financial pressures, the car was designed to take part in Groups 4 and 5 of international sports car racing. When production finally got underway, changes in racing regulations meant it never had a chance to compete. Thankfully the racing rules change did not come about until after the car was in production, otherwise it is not likely that BMW ‘M’ division would exist today. The BMW M1 was unique in every way and was a whole new direction for the German manufacturing giant.

Designed by the Italian stylist Giugiaro with bodywork that was constructed completely from fibre-glass, the BMW M1 was totally new in that it featured a mid-engined layout with a 3.5 litre 6 cylinder engine (taken from the E28 M5) that sat directly behind the driver. Driven by a 5-speed manual transmission, it boasted 277bhp taking the car from 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds and onto a top speed of 162mph.

Only 456 M1's were ever built but it looks just as good today as it did when it first rolled off the assembly line. Although it never got to prove itself on the racetrack, it redefined BMW as a true sportscar manufacturer with great road handling and strong build quality.

Brian Kellett is News and Test-Drive editor for CBG.ie.