Documents

1939 BMW 327 328 Cabriolet BMW Classic Document.pdf

One of the finest cars from pre-war Germany was the elegant, yet sporting and proportioned two-seater BMW 327 Cabriolet. Set on a 108-inch wheelbase chassis and featuring sweeping pontoon fenders, a long nose with short rear deck, split front windshield, and laid-back twin element grille, it was pleasing from any angle. Perhaps the only thing better than looking at a 327 was driving one. Production began with the cabriolet, which debuted in November 1937, followed by a coupe from October 1938. If the 327 was coveted, committed driving enthusiasts were thrilled by the debut of the higher-specification 327/328, so designated in recognition of its 80-horsepower BMW 328 triple carb engine. The architecture of the 328-engine captivated British engineers who encountered it as well, with England's Bristol producing a copy that powered its high-end saloons and touring cars.

Priced at a premium of 630 to 650 Deutschmarks over the basic 327, depending upon the body style selected, the 328-po