It was a rare sight on the BMW Welt "Premiere": On this platform, where customers from all over the globe usually collect their new model vehicles, a 1979 BMW M1 Procar was presented to its owner on Thursday. The unique car had been restored over the years by the BMW Group Classic customer shop and BMW M GmbH, and is now virtually as good as new.

Proud owner of the historic race car is Masakuni Hosobuchi of Japan. The entrepreneur is President of the BMW Club Japan and an avid collector of BMW M vehicles.

"BMWs are my great passion, and the Procar definitely will get a place of honor in my collection. It was very important to me to restore the car to its former glory after so many years of racing. And who could have done a better job than the manufacturers themselves? It also gives me great pleasure to pick up this classic car right here at BMW Welt, amidst all the new vehicles," said Masakuni Hosobuchi.

He had an opportunity to test the working condition of the car on site. With an inimitable sound, he started the sports car's mid-engine and then drove several victory laps on the "Premiere" platform to the applause of numerous visitors.

Classic BMWs restored by BMW Classic can be presented to their owners in the unique atmosphere of the BMW Welt in the future as well. A "pick up" of this kind is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for owners, but also a chance to demonstrate the successful symbiosis of past and present within the BMW Group.

In 1979 and 1980, a racing series preceding the Formula One events was held specifically for the BMW M1. The fastest Formula One pilots of the day, such as Niki Lauda and Nelson Piquet, appeared here in a thrilling duel against private drivers. A total of only 54 Procars were built, each with its own, individual style. The BMW M1 Procar belonging to Masakuni Hosobuchi, entitled "Yes to the Nürburgring" is painted with images of the famous race track, symbolising BMW's strong connection to the old Nurburgring. Nelson Piquet and Hans-Joachim Stuck drove this car to the class win and third overall in the 1,000km race at the Nordschleife in 1980.