The 1981 BMW M1 is one of the coolest retro sports cars you can unlock in Forza Horizon 6. A lot of players first notice it because of its classic wedge-shaped design, but once you actually drive it, the car feels surprisingly balanced for a vintage mid-engine machine.
The good news is that you do not need to spend the full 600,000 Credits price to get it. The easiest and fastest method is finding the hidden Treasure Car stash on the map. If you know where to look, you can unlock it in just a few minutes.
The Fastest Free Method
The best way to earn the 1981 BMW M1 is by completing the hidden Treasure Car discovery in the Hokubu region.
Instead of grinding races or saving up hundreds of thousands of Credits, you can simply drive to the hidden location and claim the car instantly.
For players early in the game, this is one of the best free car unlocks because the M1 normally costs a lot compared to most B-Class cars.
The Treasure Clue
The in-game clue says:
“This classic BMW M1 has been left under one of the railway bridges in the Hokubu region. Use the photo to find it.”
At first the clue sounds vague, but the location is actually pretty easy once you narrow down the area.
Exact Map Location
Head to the northern side of the map into the Hokubu area.
Once you arrive there:
- Look for the elevated railway line running east to west
- Stay just north of the main highway
- Drive near the farming fields
- Head toward the Hokubu Ascend street race area
- Check underneath the railway bridge supports
The hidden M1 is parked under the bridge near scaffolding and one of the large support columns.
Once you drive up to it, the car unlocks immediately and gets added to your garage.
Why This Unlock Is Worth Doing
A lot of Treasure Cars in Forza Horizon 6 are mostly collectibles, but the BMW M1 is actually useful.
The car starts in B-Class with solid all-around performance, making it a good option for:
- Classic road racing
- Retro-themed events
- Cruise builds
- Grip-focused tuning setups
- Beginner street racing
Because it uses a mid-engine layout, the car feels more stable through corners than many older rear-wheel-drive classics.
Base Performance Stats
When you first unlock the car, the stock setup comes with a B 510 Performance Index.
Here are the default ratings:
- Speed: 5.9
- Handling: 4.5
- Offroad: 5.1
- Acceleration: 4.4
- Braking: 3.2
- Launch: 3.1
The handling is probably the biggest surprise. Even without upgrades, the M1 feels predictable and easy to control compared to many older sports cars in the same class.
Other Ways to Get the BMW M1
If you miss the Treasure Car unlock, there are still a few alternative methods.
Buy It From the Autoshow
The simplest backup option is purchasing it directly for 600,000 Credits.
That price is fairly high for a B-Class car, though, which is why most players prefer finding the hidden stash first.
Auction House
Sometimes the Auction House has cheaper listings from other players.
Prices can vary a lot depending on demand, but patient players can occasionally grab one below market value.
Seasonal Rewards
Like many rare vehicles in Forza Horizon 6, the BMW M1 may also rotate into Festival Playlist rewards or special seasonal events later on.