Classic car, classic drivers.
BMW is set to rejoin the Le Mans Classic at the end of the month, returning after a nine-year hiatus. The Bavarian automaker isn't making it a plain comeback, however. BMW Group Classics' entry is the M1 Group 4 race car in its iconic Munchener Wirtshaus livery, regarded as one of BMW's legendary race cars. The road-going M1 is also recognized as the spiritual predecessor of the new BMW XM.
The M1 Group 4 race car will be piloted by its original team from the 1981 24 Hours of Le Mans. In the released photos, drivers Prince Leopold of Bavaria, Christian Danner, and Peter Oberndorfer posted with the M1 Group 4 race car to recreate photos from decades ago.
The photoshoot for the images happened on June 15, 2023, at Munich's Spatenhaus an der Oper restaurant. It's a callback to the pre-race shoot from 1981. Same venue, car, and drivers. And yes, that includes the outfit and beer.
BMW's upcoming participation in this year's Le Mans Classic will also commemorate significant milestones for the brand. Apart from the fact this is the centennial celebration of the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, BMW France is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Meanwhile, the occasion coincides with the Prince Leopold of Bavaria's 80th birthday on June 21.
Beyond the M1 Group 4 race car, Le Mans Classic will witness the participation of approximately 20 privately entered BMW racers. An exhibition at the Museum of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will also be held, with featured cars such as the BMW V12 LMR, which clinched the overall victory in 1999; the renowned 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL, recognized as BMW's first art car created by Alexander Calder, and the captivating Jeff Koons BMW M3 GT2 Art Car from 2010.
Le Mans Classic is slated to happen by the end of the month. Bentley also announced its participation in the event, marking its return with two Blower Continuation Series cars.
Keyword: BMW Rejoins Le Mans Classic With 1981 M1 Racer And Its OG Racing Drivers