The M1 was conceived way back in 2012 by two HardOCP forum members. User Wahaha360 liked SilverStone's SG03 SFF chassis, but wanted something made entirely of aluminum. With no solution on the market, the user reached out to Necere who helped design the dream chassis.
https://www.techspot.com/news/91756-ncase-discontinues-excellent-m1-small-form-factor-pc.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger
https://www.techspot.com/news/91756-ncase-discontinues-excellent-m1-small-form-factor-pc.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger