BP autogas M1

BP autogas M1

A different project revealed less relation to racing. The aim here was to break the world speed record for fluid-gas powered cars. Together with BP the result was 301,4 km/h beating the old record by 18,4 km/h.

BMW M1 – the fastest gas-powered car

BMW Group Archiv: BMW M1 - gas-powered.
BMW Group Archiv: Preparations - Harald Ertl and his gas-driven BMW M1.
BMW Group Archiv: BMW M1 - the fastest gas-powered car.
BMW Group Archiv: Lightweight design with space frame.
Erich Matter: Harald Ertl presented his BP autogas M1 in August 1981

BMW M1: the fastest gas-powered car.

New world record of 301,4 kph in 1981 on VW experimental high-speed track.
On 17th October 1981, a specially modified BMW M1 set up a world record of an unsual kind. Racing driver Harald Ertl of Mannheim reached a speed of 301,4 kph in his M1, wich became the fastest gas-powered road car in the world. Month of preparation had gone into achieving this record speed. The M1 featured a tubular space frame made of steel with a glued and riveted plastic body. The record-breaking slingshot was powered by a water-cooled six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 3.453 cc, boosted to 410 bhp by two exhaust turbochargers. The gas tank was in the boot and helt a total of 45 liters.

Further information see next column “Prospectus M1-turbo”