Description
Frazer Nash BMW328
The secret to the 328's success was down to two major factors: weight and power. Designers Rudolf Schleicher and Fritz Fiedler created a lightweight tubular frame with two longitudinal tubes, which when viewed from above had the shape of an A-frame – the rear is wider than the front. This allowed the installation of independent front suspension and provided room for leaf springs on the rear axle. Schleicher and Fiedler developed a lightweight metal body for the 328 with excellent aerodynamic properties for the time, very impressive considering they had no access to a wind tunnel. The engine used in the BMW 328 is famous for attracting people at car shows, it looks a lot like a twin cam straight 6, but it is actually a connecting rod engine with steeply angled valves and hemispherical combustion chambers. A set of triple Solex 30 JF downdraft carburetors were installed between the valve covers and the exhaust exits on the right side into twin sets of 3-into-1 headers. The power wasn't excessive, but 80 hp from 2 liters was solid power for the time – and the car weighed just 780 kilograms (1719 lbs) in racing equipment or 830 kilograms (1829 lbs) in road equipment.
The BMW 328 was introduced in 1936 and 464 were produced before production ceased in 1940. This example was one of six and was the last 328 chassis built, although some say there were four or even eight that survived the war. This vehicle was transported to A.F.N. in the fall of 1939. (founder Archie Frazer-Nash) in England, then the importers of BMWs, to create a custom streamlined body. The Second World War temporarily put the construction plans on hold until the vehicles were seized and stored by British customs and did not emerge again until 1946. This roadster featured a 4-speed transmission, mated to a 120,3 cubic inch inline 6-cylinder OHV engine rated at 79 horsepower and a top speed of 153 mph. The 328 was praised for its handling and this car finished 6th in class, 12th overall, at the 1949 Spa-Francorchamps race, driven by Dickie Stoop.
After the war, chassis number 85427 was taken over by former RAF Spitfire pilot 'Dickie' Stoop, a Frazer Nash Works racer. Mr Stoop ordered an envelope body for his new Frazer Nash BMW from Leacroft of Egham. The body received many aviation features, including aircraft-type cowling clips and fuel filler with flush cap. The cockpit was also adapted to Stoop's stocky frame.
Upon completion, chassis number 85427 was entered in the 24 Spa 1949-hour race at the Circuit National in Spa-Francorchamps. Stoop and his friend, Peter Wilson, piloted the car to 6th in class and 12th overall.
