The Tamiya BMW M1 (#58007), released in 1980, was Tamiya’s seventh RC model and their second foray into recreating an iconic supercar. The model brought to life the bold and angular design of the BMW M1, BMW’s first mid-engine sports car and a legend in motorsport. Combining Tamiya’s attention to scale realism and early RC performance, the BMW M1 became a favorite among collectors and hobbyists.
The Real-Life Inspiration
The BMW M1 was developed in the late 1970s as a homologation special for Group 4 and Group 5 racing. Its sharp, wedge-shaped design was penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro, and it was powered by a 3.5L straight-six engine, delivering impressive performance for both road and track. In motorsport, the M1 gained fame in the Procar Championship, where Formula 1 drivers raced the car as a support series to Grand Prix weekends.
Tamiya’s model paid homage to this iconic vehicle by replicating its unique styling and racing spirit in 1/12 scale.
Key Features of the Tamiya Model
Scale and Body
- Scale: 1/12.
- Body Material:
- Made of durable ABS plastic, the body shell captured the car’s aggressive wedge shape and low-slung stance.
- Design Details:
- Included fine details like the M1’s distinctive kidney grille, pop-up headlights, and flared wheel arches.
- The rear featured vents, a subtle spoiler, and twin exhaust outlets, mirroring the real car.
Decals and Livery
- Livery:
- The model came with decals for the BMW Motorsport racing team livery, including the iconic red, blue, and violet stripes over a white body.
- Customization:
- The kit allowed for custom painting and included additional sponsor decals for added realism.
Chassis Design
Material and Layout
- Chassis Material:
- Built on a Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) double-deck chassis for rigidity and durability.
- Layout:
- The chassis was designed to accommodate the rear-wheel-drive drivetrain and torsion-bar suspension.
- Components were arranged to maintain a low center of gravity for better on-road handling.
Suspension System
Torsion-Bar Suspension
The BMW M1 used torsion-bar suspension on both the front and rear axles.
- Front Suspension:
- Independent swing arms with torsion bars absorbed minor bumps and provided stability during cornering.
- Rear Suspension:
- A similar torsion-bar setup was used to handle the motor’s torque and improve rear grip.
Drivetrain
Drive Configuration
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD):
- Power was delivered to the rear wheels, replicating the drivetrain layout of the real BMW M1.
Transmission System
- Enclosed Gearbox:
- Protected the drivetrain components from dirt and debris.
- Adjustable Gear Ratios:
- Allowed for tuning between higher top speed or better acceleration based on driving conditions.
Motor
- Powered by a Mabuchi RS-540 brushed motor, which offered reliable performance.
- The motor placement at the rear contributed to realistic weight distribution and authentic handling.
Wheels and Tires
Wheels
- Chrome-plated plastic wheels faithfully replicated the five-spoke design of the BMW M1’s racing rims.
Tires
- Racing Slicks:
- Low-profile rubber tires provided excellent grip on smooth surfaces.
- Wider rear tires improved traction under power.
Electronics
Radio System
- Compatible with 2-channel analog radio systems:
- Channel 1: Controlled the steering servo.
- Channel 2: Managed throttle/braking via a mechanical speed controller (MSC).
Battery
- Required a 6V Ni-Cd battery pack, centrally mounted for balanced weight distribution.
- Typical runtime was approximately 10–15 minutes per charge.
Performance Characteristics
Top Speed
- Reached speeds of approximately 20–25 km/h, depending on motor and battery condition.
Handling
- The lightweight chassis and responsive torsion-bar suspension provided nimble handling, making the car enjoyable to drive on flat surfaces.
Durability
- The FRP chassis was robust and could withstand moderate impacts, but the ABS body required careful handling to prevent cracks or damage during collisions.
Assembly and Customization
Kit Form
- The BMW M1 was sold as an unassembled kit, allowing enthusiasts to build and personalize their car.
Customization Options
- The body could be painted in various colors, with the included BMW Motorsport decals adding to the scale realism.
- Hobbyists could tune gear ratios, suspension stiffness, and steering geometry for performance optimization.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scale | 1/12 |
| Length | Approx. 370 mm |
| Width | Approx. 160 mm |
| Wheelbase | 230 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 1.2 kg (without battery) |
| Drive System | Rear-Wheel Drive (2WD) |
| Motor | Mabuchi RS-540 |
| Top Speed | Approx. 20–25 km/h |
| Suspension | Torsion-Bar |
| Body Material | ABS Plastic |
| Chassis Material | Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic |
Historical Significance
- First Tamiya BMW RC Model:
- The BMW M1 was Tamiya’s first RC model based on a BMW, establishing a relationship that would lead to future BMW replicas in their lineup.
- Early Supercar Replication:
- As one of the earliest RC supercar models, it showcased Tamiya’s ability to blend scale realism with functional performance.
- Collector’s Appeal:
- Today, the BMW M1 (#58007) is a rare and valuable collector’s item, especially in unassembled or mint condition.
Legacy
Although the original BMW M1 (#58007) has not been re-released, its influence can be seen in Tamiya’s continued dedication to creating highly detailed RC models of supercars and racing legends. The model remains a testament to Tamiya’s early success in combining form and function, making it a prized piece for collectors and enthusiasts.