1938 BMW 328 Roadster

• A Timeless Automotive Marvel
• One of only 459 examples of this iconic pre-war race cars built
• Body and chassis replaced after an accident in USA
• Specially prepared engine for the Mille Miglia
• Mille Miglia wheels with brakes
• Aluminium racing finned sump
• US title, customs documents and a Czech historic registration, US history
• FIVA card issued in 2023
• Complete with original tools (very rare)
• One of the most successful race-cars before WWII
• Considered one of the most important cars built in the 20th century
• Supercar of its era
• Not only Mille Miglia eligible, this model was the overall winner in 1940
• After a recent service and recently issued historic registration plates
• All documents were checked and the car was photographed personally by Auctomobile
• Other features: possibility of assisting with registration, transport, insurance, storage and Trusted Checkout payment
• Please note that this car will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Brno, Czechia

The Iconic 1938 BMW 328 Roadster: A Timeless Automotive Marvel

Introduction

In the annals of automotive history, there are certain vehicles that stand out as true icons of their time, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Among them is the legendary 1938 BMW 328 Roadster, a masterpiece that epitomizes the blend of performance, elegance, and innovation. As a triumph of German engineering, this classic roadster has etched its name in the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide, becoming a symbol of BMW's early prowess and cementing its legacy in the automotive world.

Design and Aesthetics

The 1938 BMW 328 Roadster possesses a design that exudes timeless elegance. Its sleek, aerodynamic lines are characterized by a long, graceful hood, gently sloping fenders, and a curvaceous body, making it a truly captivating sight. With its low-slung stance, the 328 Roadster showcases the perfect balance between form and function, accentuating both its aesthetic appeal and its performance capabilities.

Under the Hood

What truly sets the 1938 BMW 328 Roadster apart is its impressive performance capabilities, especially considering the era in which it was produced. The heart of this iconic roadster lies in its advanced engineering and innovative design. Powered by a 2.0-liter, straight-six engine, the 328 Roadster produced an astonishing 80 horsepower, a remarkable feat for its time. The lightweight construction, combined with the engine's responsiveness, allowed the car to reach a top speed of approximately 100 mph (160 km/h), making it one of the fastest cars of its era.

Racing Legacy

The 1938 BMW 328 Roadster's claim to fame is not just based on its exceptional design and performance; it also boasts an impressive racing pedigree. The roadster achieved numerous victories in motorsport events, cementing its status as a formidable contender on the racetrack. Notably, it triumphed in the 1940 Mille Miglia, a grueling 1,000-mile endurance race in Italy, securing a class win and second place overall. This success showcased the roadster's reliability, handling, and speed, elevating its reputation and bolstering BMW's standing as a performance-oriented automaker.

Innovation and Technological Advancements

The 1938 BMW 328 Roadster featured several groundbreaking innovations that helped solidify its status as a technological marvel. The car's lightweight design utilized aluminum for the body panels and a tubular space frame, contributing to its remarkable agility and handling characteristics. Furthermore, the engine incorporated hemispherical combustion chambers, twin carburetors, and a cross-flow cylinder head, enabling the 328 Roadster to achieve exceptional power output for its displacement. These advancements showcased BMW's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering and performance.

Enduring Legacy

Even after nearly a century, the 1938 BMW 328 Roadster continues to captivate car enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Its rarity, timeless design, and historic significance make it a highly sought-after classic car. The 328 Roadster's influence can be seen in modern BMW models, as its engineering principles and performance DNA have been passed down through the generations.

Conclusion

The 1938 BMW 328 Roadster remains an automotive icon that epitomizes the harmonious blend of elegance, performance, and innovation. Its design, performance capabilities, and racing success have solidified its place in history as a true masterpiece of German engineering. As a testament to BMW's enduring legacy, the 328 Roadster continues to inspire and fascinate enthusiasts worldwide, reminding us of the profound impact a single vehicle can have on the automotive landscape.

According to the earliest available record, chassis 85223 was purchased in 1955 by Mr. Stanley V. Willhight, a watchmaker living in Coupeville, Washington, USA, then aged 41. Accounts of the late Mr. Willhight reveal him to have been very much the Renaissance man, not only a car enthusiast and skilled horologist, but also a keen violinist and amateur artist, with widespread interests encompassing architecture, astronomy, Egyptology, local history and maritime history. He is believed to have owned the car until his death in 2004. The car had an accident in the USA in the 1990's and part of the body and the chassis of the car had to be repaired and replaced with the same chassis number.

This car came from USA to Czechia in 2014 with its former US title and all customs cleared. It was registered in Czechia as a historic vehicle and a rebuilt of the engine has been performed. The car has a specially prepared engine. The engine comes also with original Solex carburettors. It was built to race in the Mille Miglia a few years ago, unfortunately the owner did not race it due to health reasons. He also added special light magnesium Mille Miglia wheels, where the brakes are directly built into the wheels for a quicker change during a race. The installed transmission is not original anymore, it has now a 4-speed Volvo gearbox for a quicker shifting, but the original transmission is included in the sale. It has also an additional oil cooler, the ventilator cooler is also included in the sale as well as spare wheel screws. It has an aluminium racing finned sump to give the car better oil cooling under extreme racing loads. Those are the little details on the car, for better performance and durability.The car is perfect mechanical condition, it runs absolutely perfect. It comes also with the original BMW tools, which is very rare to see in a pre-war car.

This car comes for a second time for a sale. The first sale of the car was cancelled due to new found information about the replacement of the chassis after an accident in the USA. The estimate was reduced due to this information and the car will be now sold again.

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