1936 BMW 328

BMW fans, here’s where it all started. You may think the 2002 started it all, but in reality, the 328 was Genesis. Truth be told, BMW was quite successful in the 1930s and before in the motorcycle scene, and indeed was a well regarded manufacturer of airplane engines. But in the changing climate of German politics in the 1930s, it was clear that the government wanted to steer the population away from its chosen method of transportation – motorcycles – and towards automobile ownership. To this end, BMW’s main competition at this time, Daimler-Benz and Auto-Union, were quick to enter into the premier form of Grand Prix racing in order to promote both the government’s agenda and their own technical superiority in automotive engineering. Thus would be born the legendary Silberpfeil – the Silver Arrows of Grand Prix racing. Behind the scenes, BMW pursued a slightly different course, and as the Italian and French automakers fled the all-conquering German Grand Prix cars in favor of sports car racing, BMW took them on with their newly designed 328 sports car. Few survive today, but every once in a while one comes up for sale, such as this silver example today:

Year: 1936
Model: 328
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-6
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: “10” mi
Price: $350,000

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1936 BMW 328 on eBay

Before we proceed to the details about this truly work of Art and Craftsmanship I felt to share a little history about the uniqueness of the 1936 BMW 328 Roadster. Enjoy reading it ………..

……………….”A small brochure circulated among a select group of people in late 1935 revealed the existence of a new 2-litre sports car to be known as the “Typ 328”. The description of the car was deliberately low-key and avoided giving any performance or speed figures. The brochure was intended purely as an appetiser for “friends of the company”; there was no announcement in the press.

Journalists were left open-mouthed when they set eyes on the car for the first time in the Nürburgring paddock on 13 June 1936. There, Ernst Henne was preparing to race the 328 in the International Eifel Race the following day. The motorcycle world record holder roared away from his rivals off the start line and soon left the rest of the field trailing in his wake with a phenomenal average speed of 101.5 km/h. This show of strength from the 328 had commentators purring about the future of the German sports car. However, few could have guessed that they were witnessing the dawn of a new era.

Of the 464 examples of the BMW 328 ever built, only around 200 have survived, some 120 of which are in Germany. Many still take part in historical races to this day. And cars from BMW Classic’s own collection can regularly be found in the thick of the action – often with illustrious figures at the wheel. Indeed, in 2003 Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustav teamed with Prince Leopold of Bavaria for the reborn Mille Miglia – now run as a regularity test – in a BMW 328 Touring Roadster.

To be reminded of just how potent the 1940 cars still are today, you need only witness their journey to Italy for the event. There is not a transporter or trailer in sight; instead, just as they did 70 years ago, they travel from Munich to Brescia on their own power. And even more impressively, they complete the journey on a single tank of fuel; then, as now, the engines were not only powerful but also efficient. The drivers and cars can encounter a wide variety of weather conditions en route to Brescia and during the event itself, but nothing can dampen the spirits of the drivers and cars alike. Whether they’re basking in 27 degrees Celsius on the Adriatic or shivering just above freezing in the snow and mist of Monte Terminillo, the teams experience everything the Italian climate can throw at them. And today, just as they did back then, they power to victory in sumptuous style.”…………………..

Amazing ,isn’t it? Now about this beauty, she spent most of her life in a great and loving care of a Pre-War Era Car collector and Restaurateur Garage. Recently finished “open check book” restoration brought back her to life and old glory, as you can see on the pictures. Ready for racing or to be be part of the most discriminating collectors collection. I’ll assist with shipping and insurance if needed. Please email for questions ,serious bidders only! Thank you.

While the E30 M3 certainly was a successful race car in its own right, the 328 was no slouch. The list of wins is simply incredible. How about both class and overall wins at the Mille Miglia? Fifth overall at Le Mans? RAC Tourist Trophy? 100 class wins in one year? The 328 defined a history of success that BMW would continue after the war. More surprising is how successful the 328 was given that BMW engaged in little automobile racing prior to its construction. These successes were just about the equivalent of saying “You know, I think today I’ll start riding a bike” and then winning the Tour de France in the next month. While there are a few BMW models that exceed the value of the 328, I’d argue there is not a model which was more significant to establishing the brand. Quite simply, the 328 put BMW on the European map as a performance car company.

Now, as to value, that’s tough to judge. What do you compare it to? The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Spider? $500,000 or more, if you can find one. The Maserati 4CS-1500? Close to $1,000,000. Perhaps the Bugatti T55 Super Sport? That would set you back the best part of $2,000,000 plus. So, why the lack of value on the 328? At $350,000 this seems like a downright deal. Of course, the Bugatti, Maserati and Alfa have aching beauty that the 328 just can’t quite match, and consequently they’re more aesthetically desirable. However, even in comparison to some recent auctions, this 328 seems undervalued. The answer may lie in the lack of details of this auction; the quality of the restoration and the reason for it (crash?) would have to be fully sorted out before buying this car. Still, since none of you are actually going to buy this car stop worrying about how much it’s worth – just enjoy the view, appreciate the history, and before they’re all gone, go see one race at some vintage races!

-Carter