1940 BMW 328 Roadster

This example, Chassis No. 85133 appears to have been a used-chassis car, perhaps delivered to Touring in 1939. According to careful analysis, it is clear that the design work is more in keeping with the Auto Avio Costruzioni sports racer - Enzo Ferrari's first foray into car construction, and the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS 'Torpedo Brescia' of 1940. Thus, the car here might have been among the first of the special cars that were designed and built by Touring for BMW.

Regarding the significance of the Touring bodywork on these special BMW racecars, this Milanese company developed and introduced the type of body construction known as "Superleggera," which translates to English as "super lightweight." With their innovative and elegant processes, which would become patented following the close of the war, the metal skin of the body is stretched and rolled over a light, yet strong framework of steel tubing providing structure and shape, with the low weight normally associated with wooden body substructures.

Following a forensic-level investigation into the construction and history of this vehicle, the previous caretaker believes the car was one of the first five or six prototype 328 BMW-chassis cars constructed by Touring of Milan in early 1939. Their purpose was to contest the 1939 Mille Miglia, which was cancelled by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini due to a crash at this grueling and hazardous event the year before. Touring went on that year to build five more bodies of similar design, two of which became the Auto Avio Costruzioni 815 sports racer and the other three became 6C 2500 Alfas, all five of which ran in the 1940 Mille Miglia.

The coachwork of this car has the following recorded history. A Mr. Mairan of Lausanne, Switzerland owned it up to 1958, followed by Mr. Othmar Muller, Granges, Switzerland, 1958-1970, Mr. Mayert (father and son), Ecublens Switzerland 1970-1993, the Grether Family, Auggen, Germany 1993-2007, and then the previous owner from 2007. During Mr. Othmar Muller's ownership, the coachwork was transferred to a Simca chassis for parts supply reasons. During the Mr. Grether Sr. ownership, he bought the BMW 328 chassis and the engine in Switzerland from Mr. M. Brodowski of Gutenwil in Switzerland, thus believing he had reunited the body, chassis, and engine. Mr. Grether Sr. passed away in 2002 and his son Eberhard inherited the BMW in unrestored condition. In 2007, the car was sold to its previous owner. Research of the original paint color was made by Dr. Jagers, Bornheim, Germany. Interestingly, when the paint was stripped from the bodywork during the restoration, traces of "German Industrial Silver" paint were found. Notably, it is understood that only pre-WW II BMW and "Silver Arrows" Grand Prix cars used that type and color of paint.

Its caretaker entrusted the body, chassis, and powertrain to noted Chicago-area restoration expert Fran Roxas and the work was then completed with stunning results. Consistent with all Fran Roxas restorations, he went through the engine and all mechanical systems and the potent engine, which bears a period "Spezial" tag, contains the proper dimensions and components of the 1939/40 Series I Mille Miglia cars as outlined in the aforementioned book by Rainer Simons. It is further believed that this car is the only one of the seven cars equipped with a dry-sump engine, which is presently fitted. The body is also consistent with the dry-sump configuration. Thoroughly documented by three accompanying binders that are filled with historical data, records, and photos, it is also sold with its FIVA Identity Card. We encourage prospective buyers to give close examination of this BMW and its documentation, which will be on display at the Document Station during the auction.

Incredibly well-presented, from its stunning coachwork and paint to its competition-type lightweight seats and "knock-off" wheels, plus the beautifully detailed engine, this vehicle, titled as a 1940 BMW, is simply exceptional throughout. It offers a truly rare opportunity few collectors have had the chance to even consider owning and enjoying.