Fantasy Junction

Description

1939 BMW 327/28 Spec Cabriolet
s/n 73155
White with Burgundy Leather Interior

Although BMW began as an early era aircraft engine manufacturer, the company soldified their efforts with automobile construction first under license with a version of the Austin Seven. Rudimentary and derivative, the early cars were a modest beginning to what would become one of the finest performance brands of the century. By 1936 BMW debuted their 326 at the Berlin Motor Show, displaying the highly advanced mechanicals that would evolve even further with the 1937 327 model featuring a wonderfully curvaceous body, convertible configuration, and a highly developed chassis, which would serve as the core of their racing success. The 327 series was built in limited numbers over the course of its three year production (1937-1940) with just 482 built and fewer still remaining today.

Although details outlining the early history of this car are unknown, the current owner reports that in 2000, this car was located in Kansas when it was purchased and shipped to New Zealand. Upon arrival, the car was comprehensively restored. Experts in various specialized areas performed the restoration during 2006-2007. Receipts for the majority of this work show extensive preparation including the installation of the more powerful and desirable 328 engine, believed to be an industrial block, showing no number stamping. The revised cylinder head of the 328 engine, complete with hemispherical combustion chambers, increased power by 25hp and in fact, a number of 327s were produced with 328 engine BMW. A new wiring loom was installed, refurbished front suspension and brakes fitted, and body and paintwork (supported by photos showing bare metal respray with complete disassembly) were completed. Glass, rubber, gaskets, and interior components were installed including black ribbed rubber sills, boot carpeting, canvas top, black leather piping, burgundy leather hides for the interior, new foam for seats, springs, 10mm insulation pad, and various trim required to complete the interior. Records accompanying the car indicate nearly $30,000 was spent on the interior portion of restoration alone. Further receipts for restoration work performed at this time exceed an additional $25,000.

In 2012, the current owner purchased the car from the owner in New Zealand and imported it to North America. After the car arrived, the car was taken to the next level in order to make it more drivable and reliable for use in vintage rally events. Between 2012 and 2014, several improvements were made including the installation of a new Rhode Island wiring harness and correct series front and rear bumpers. An original set of wheels was sourced and updated with modern rims mounted to original centers allowing for the use of tubeless tires. The wheels were completed with the installation of five new Coker tires. To improve driving ease, a Volvo B18 fully synchronized four-speed transmission was installed using a specially made cast metal bell-housing mounted to the refined 328 engine, which was further improved with an aftermarket remote oil filter. The fitment of a Volvo transmission is a common upgrade to BMWs of this era, including 328s. A 327/328 instrument cluster was located from Jim Smith including a tachometer and oil temperature gauge, which were all restored by North Hollywood Speedometer. Also at this time, the current owner commissioned Vintage Automotive Upholstery to install new carpets, all new leather seats, and door panels.

In 2018, the current owner replaced the starter motor (machining the ring gear for better starter contact) and a new pressure plate was installed. A 123 Ignition Electronic Distributor and 6 volt electric fuel pump was installed. Finishing off the engine compartment, three 32 PICT Solex carburetors and installation kit was purchased from Germany including specialized 90 degree mounting plates and a very nicely crafted throttle linkage. Although the owner was careful to document the work performed on the car, most of the records related to his work and expenses on the car were destroyed in the 2017 Wine County Fires.

Today, the car presents in very good driver condition with glossy white paint showing minor aging in imperfections such as fogging in a few areas when more closely inspected. The body and paintwork was performed with great care including attention to the floor, inner jambs, and trunk areas. The body panels are generally nice with no major issues noted, showing only mild variations in panel gaps, though the hood, doors, and trunk are solid and fit well. The spare wheel is covered with a metal shell and the rear wheel spats add a very elegant touch to this sporting BMW. The chrome is in good shape, with light surface hazing and minor use visible in just a few selected areas. The bumpers and grill present nicely, offering a traditional but aerodynamic flash of elegance against the curvaceous bodywork. The glass, trim and lighting are in good condition overall as are the nicely finished and thoughtfully updated wheels.

The interior is an elegant combination of lightly settled high quality materials befitting only mild use over the past seven years of ownership since having been reupholstered. The seat and door upholstery are in very good condition, having been recently recovered in high quality leather and still showing quite well. The carpeting is tidy and clean, while the dashboard, steering wheel, and instruments are very handsome and nicely restored. The instruments are particularly beautiful and well-detailed. The canvas top is also in very good condition showing only minor areas of patina in the latch plates and hardware. There are no visible major deviations from stock inside or outside the car. Visually, the car has a satisfying presentation, in keeping with the restoration and modest updating that has been the guiding theme during recent years.

The engine compartment is attractive and tidy, having been properly finished with attention to originality and factory finishes, with a few minor deviations toward modern motoring including the Solex Carburetors, new ignition system, and remote oil filter. The engine compartment remains quite attractive, matching the handsome exterior presentation. The firewall and inner fenders are properly finished with contrasting black paint that bring out the chrome and casting features of the in line six cylinder engine. The interior of the trunk is clean and fresh, finished with materials consistent to the original configuration.

The car starts easily and sounds fabulous through the triple Solexes. The gears are easily engaged and the clutch works smoothly, with a modern, fuss-free operation that is quite atypical in prewar cars. Brakes are essentially consistent with expectations of the period, with reassuringly consistent operation. The lightness of the car makes steering easy even at slower speeds and it is easy to precisely place the car. The car tracks well on the road, with good manners exhibiting generally predictable sounds one might encounter from a capable car of this era. With the improved 328 engine, driving is more spirited and thus more enjoyable, making this cabriolet a delightful candidate for the California Mille or other vintage events. The car comes with some records from the previous restoration work performed in New Zealand, tools, and a copy of the owner’s manual in English, and the original gearbox.

This is a great opportunity to acquire a mechanically sorted BMW Cabriolet that has been enjoyed and maintained by thoughtful enthusiasts. Although just 1396 327s were built, of which fewer than 500 were Cabriolets, their competition success and beautiful design result in a consummate sports car offering beauty, technical prowess, and incredible driving satisfaction, all attributes this example retains today. It is easy to drive and well-sorted, making it an exceptionally usable prewar car.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608