1936 BMW 328 Prototype In 1936 BMW prepared the first three pre-production 328s for motor sports duties. These were disinguished by their small front headlights, lack of doors, large fuel tank and all-aluminum construction. In Detail. The premiere of the BMW 328. The history of the BMW 328 got off...
BMW 328
1936 - 1940
The BMW 328 featured a lightweight construction and a streamlined body, which was quite advanced for its time. It was powered by a 2.0-liter inline-six engine, with its design providing exceptional power-to-weight ratio and performance. The 328 excelled in motorsport, securing over 200 victories in various competitions between 1936 and 1940, including a class win at the Mille Miglia. Its success in competitions helped cement BMW's status as a manufacturer of high-performance sports cars.
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Overview
When it comes to automotive legends, few cars hold a place as revered as the BMW 328. This pre-war sports car wasn't just a marvel of its time; it set a standard for performance and style that still resonates with car enthusiasts today. Let's delve into the reasons why the BMW 328 remains an icon of the automotive world.
In the mid-30s, production roadsters and competition cars were still very similar in technical terms - and motorsport was still the ideal place to prove the performance and reliability of a production car. But to keep up with the competition, BMW soon had to build cars with more power and muscle. So BMW's engineers looked for ways and means to significantly increase engine output without increasing engine size. And they found the solution - the M328, the engine powering the legendary BMW 328 sports car in 1936.
Right from the start in its debut at Nürburgring on 14 June 1936, BMW's new roadster literally pulverised even the most powerful supercharged competitors. This outstanding success was attributable to the well-balanced combination of superior engine power and cutting-edge suspension technology characteristic of BMW roadsters to this day: 80 hp in the regular version and low weight of just 830 kg or 1,830 lb gave this elegant roadster superior performance still impressive today.
The BMW 328 was a masterclass in engineering innovation. Its lightweight tubular frame construction, advanced suspension, and a powerful 2.0-liter inline-six engine delivered a driving experience unmatched by most of its contemporaries. The 328 was nimble, quick, and surprisingly refined for a sports car of its era.
The BMW 328's prowess wasn't just theoretical; it quickly proved its mettle on the race track. Its most famous victory came at the 1940 Mille Miglia, where a streamlined 328 Touring Coupé won the grueling endurance race at record-breaking speed. Victories in countless other races cemented the 328's reputation as a true competitor.
Beyond its performance, the BMW 328 exuded an undeniable elegance. Its flowing lines, long hood, and signature kidney grilles created an aesthetic that was both sporty and sophisticated. The 328 wasn't just a machine for speed; it was a statement of style and refinement.
Production of the BMW 328 ended in 1940, but its influence on the automotive world persisted. The 328 established BMW's reputation as a builder of exceptional driver's cars, a legacy that continues to this day. The design language and performance focus seen in the 328 can be found in the DNA of modern BMW sports sedans and coupes.
Today, the BMW 328 is a prized collector's item and a symbol of a bygone era where raw performance and timeless design reigned supreme. It stands as a testament to BMW's engineering prowess and its unwavering commitment to the joy of driving. Whether on the Concours d'Elegance lawn or glimpsed on a winding road, the BMW 328 still has the power to stir the hearts of automotive enthusiasts everywhere.
BMW 328 Basics
Company: BMW
Production: 1936-1940
Production Qty: 464 units
Body style: Roadster
Layout: Front Engine, Rear Drive
Engine: 1,971 cc M328 straight-6
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Wheelbase: 2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length: 3,900 mm (153.5 in)
Width: 1,550 mm (61.0 in)
Height: 1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Curb weight: 830 kg (1,830 lb)
Did You Know
One of the Mille Miglia 328s (disguised as a Frazer Nash) and BMW's technical plans for the car were taken from the bombed BMW factory by English representatives from the Bristol Aeroplane Company and Frazer Nash companies. Fiedler, the BMW engineer, was persuaded to come, too. Bristol Cars was set up to build complete cars, called Bristols, and would also supply engines to Frazer Nash for all their post-war cars. The first Bristol car, the 400, was heavily based on the BMW plans. This Bristol engine was also an option in AC cars, before the Cobra.
"The BMW 328 didn't just make history; it embodied the spirit of open-road adventure and pre-war auto excellence."
Nick Dellis, Supercars.net
Our Favorite BMW 328 Images
"The 328 wasn't just beautiful, it was a thoroughbred. Sleek, agile, and a force on any road course."
Nick Dellis, Supercars.net
