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101 Cars: BMW 328
Bavaria's first sports car
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SPEED Staff  |  Posted August 25, 2008   Charlotte, North Carolina
BMW's fortunes went south during the war. (Photo: BMWMadeira.org)

BMW's roots were in aircraft, but after it purchased the Dixi Company, it got into the car business, building licensed versions of Britain's Austin 7. But and updated version of an older six-cylinder engine and a swoopy new body came together in the 328 model, and BMW was suddenly in the world-class sports car business. There was also a more comfort-oriented two-plus-two version (called the 327), plus an enclosed coupe variant. The 328's potential as a racer was exploited almost immediately, with great success, expecially in the Mille Miglia in Italy. BMW's fortunes went south during the war, and it wasn't until the elegant 507 of the late 1950s that the company could get back into the sports car business. Hmmm... edgiy, two-seat roadster bodywork with a straight-six powerplant. Sounds like the same formula in use today as BMW's Z4.

Specifications
Engine: 2.0-liter inline six
Horsepower: 80-90
Price New: $3,000
Value Now: $250,000-$300,000
BMW 328 Photos



Claim to Fame

CLAIM TO FAME: An overall victory in the 1940 Mille Miglia


Behind the Wheel

BEHIND THE WHEEL: Find a wealthy, vintage racer friend and convince him to let you run it in the Monterey Historic Automobile Races.


Did You Know?

DID YOU KNOW: The BMW engine design was later sold to Bristol Aeroplane Company, which produced it for Bristol, AC, the Frazer Nash until 1961.


The Perfect Drive

THE PERFECT DRIVE: As the 328 also recorded a class win in the 1938 Mille Miglia, it only makes sense to run several of the mountain passes on the MM route, south of Bologna, Italy.



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