Description
'- Desired 328 version
– Extremely rare bodywork
– Excellent restoration quality
The BMW 328 is one of the Bavarian manufacturer's most iconic models and contributes enormously to the brand's reputation. Launched in 1936 just after the 326, its design reflects the roadster archetype of the time: minimalist, sober and sporty, it also exhibits a profiling that reflects BMW's aviation experience. The hood hides a well thought out engine with a particularly original technology: 2L straight-six, semicircular cylinder head and overhead valves, operated by a camshaft operating on one of the two rocker arm rails, a return system allowing the other to be operated on the track. This engine will undergo numerous developments for racing purposes, for example on AC and Cooper cars. However, it is the 328 that will first shine in June 1936 at the Nürburgring, before winning numerous races in its class, including the Mille Miglia or the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Of the 426 chassis produced, some had more luxurious bodywork than the roadsters, with a more refined finish. The performance of the German coachbuilder Autenrieth, who worked on chassis 326/327/328 in convertible and coupe versions, is the perfect example of this.
The model you see here is one of the few chassis 328 built by Autenrieth, although their production at the time was no more than a few units. Leaving the factory and sold by the BMW agent in Düsseldorf on February 21, 1938, chassis 85200 was then sent to Autenrieth by its first owner, a Mr. Schwarze, to be refurbished into an elegant 2-seater convertible with the body plate number 6628. It was finally delivered to him on May 28, 1938. In 2004 it was acquired by the current owner's husband through one of the largest German specialists in 328 models. The car was then red and ready for restoration, as shown by photos in the file. In the same year it was entrusted to the English TT Workshops to completely restore it, as described in the folder of important invoices. The elegant bodywork in midnight blue and cream offers a collected and sporty look, while the interior, a subtle chemistry between sport and refinement, is stretched with gray leather. The mechanical part works perfectly, it appears to be well adjusted and quickly lets us hear its full and furious sound. The Hurth gearbox was equipped with an overdrive. The dashboard display is complete and the odometer had run 27.690 km at the time of our assessment, just over 1.000 km since the 2004 restoration.
Based on a chassis whose sporting vocation is no longer to prove anything, this car also has a very desirable and rare convertible body and has benefited from a restoration to the best standards: enthusiasts will be able to appreciate the great quality of this car .
