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| Car: | BMW 328 Cabriolet Autenrieth |
| Year: | 1938 |
| Price: |
1938 BMW 328 Cabriolet Autenrieth
Chassis n° 85200
Engine n° 85424
- Desirable 328 version
- Extremely rare bodywork
- Excellent restoration quality
The BMW 328 is one of the most iconic models from the Bavarian manufacturer, contributing enormously to the reputation of the brand. Launched in 1936 just after the 326, its design reflects the archetype of the roadster at the time: minimalist, sober and sporty, it also displays a profiling which reflects the aeronautical experience of BMW. The bonnet conceals a well-conceived engine offering a particularly original technique: 2L straight six-cylinder, hemispherical cylinder head and overhead valves, operated by a camshaft which works on one of the two rocker arm rails, a return system allowing to control the other rail. This engine will experience numerous developments for racing purposes, on AC and Cooper cars for instance. It is however the 328 who will shine with it first in June 1936 at the Nurburgring, before making it win countless races in its class, including the Mille Miglia or the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Among the 426 chassis produced, some had a more luxurious bodywork than the roadsters, with a more refined finish. The accomplishments of German coachbuilder Autenrieth, who worked on chassis 326/327/328 in convertible and coupe versions, are the perfect example.
The model we are offering is one of the few chassis 328 coachbuilt by Autenrieth, even though their production did not exceed a few units at the time. Leaving the factory and sold by the BMW agent in Dusseldorf on February 21,1938, chassis 85200 was then sent by its first owner, a certain Mr. Schwarze, to Autenrieth to be bodyworked in an elegant 2-seater convertible, bearing the body plate number 6628. It was finally delivered to him on 28 May 1938. It was acquired by the husband of its current owner in 2004, through one of the greatest German specialists in 328 models. The car was then red and ready to restore, as evidenced by pictures included in the file. The same year, it was entrusted to the English TT Workshops in order to restore it completely, as described by the important invoices folder. The elegant bodywork in midnight blue and cream offers a collected and sporty look, while its interior, subtle chemistry between sport and refinement, is stretched in grey leather. The mechanical part works perfectly well, it turns out to be well adjusted and quick to present us with its full and raging sound. The Hurth gearbox was fitted with an overdrive. The dashboard display is complete and the mileage counter had 27,690 km during our assessment, just over 1,000km since its restoration in 2004.
Based on a chassis whose sporting vocation is no longer to prove something, this car also has a highly desirable and rare cabriolet bodywork and has benefited from a restoration following only the best standards: Enthusiasts will be able to appreciate the great quality of this automobile.
If you are interested in this car
If you are interested in buying this car, please call us at + 31 653 54 18 92. If you cannot reach us, let us call you back.