The classic BMW 328, an elegant car

The BMW 328 is a sports car produced by BMW between 1936 and 1940. It was designed by Peter Szymanowski, who became BMW’s chief designer after the Second World War (although the car was actually designed by Fritz Fiedler). The BMW 328 already featured BMW’s famous kidney radiator in its design.

The legendary BMW 328 was built at the renowned plant in Eisenach (Thuringia). After the end of the Second World War, however, Eisenach came under the yoke of Russian occupation, which meant that vehicle production at this prestigious plant was completely controlled by the state.

Over the course of its existence, production of the BMW 328 reached the remarkable figure of 464 units, a living testament to its relevance and exclusivity in the automotive world. Each one represented the perfect combination of cutting-edge German engineering and captivating design that captivated car lovers around the world.

The milestones of the BMW 328:

  • Frank Pratt won the Australian Grand Prix in 1948 on a 328.
  • The 328 was entered in the 1936 Eifel Race at the Nürburgring, where Ernst Henne won the 2.0-litre class with it.
  • In 1937, the 328 celebrated more than 100 victories, including the RAC Tourist Trophy, the Austrian Alpine Tour and the La Turbie hill climb.
  • In 1938, the 328 won its class in the RAC Tourist Trophy, the Alpine Rally and the Mille Miglia.
  • The 328 won the 1939 RAC Rally and finished fifth overall and first in class at the 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans.
  • Frank Pratt won the Australian Grand Prix in 1948 on a 328.
  • In 1938, the BMW 328 was class winner at the Mille Miglia.
  • In 1940, the Mille Miglia Touring Coupe won the Mille Miglia with an average speed of 166.7 km/h (103.6 mph).
  • In 2004, the BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupe became the first car to win both the Mille Miglia (1940) and the modern classic version of the race.
  • After the Second World War, the Eisenach plant where the 328 had been built was located in the Russian occupation zone, and the
    car production in Eisenach remained in state hands until German reunification in 1989.
  • One of the Mille Miglia 328s (with a body by Frazer Nash) and BMW’s technical plans for the car were provided by English
    representatives of the Bristol Airplane Company and Frazer Nash from the bombed-out BMW factory. BMW engineer Fiedler was also persuaded to work for the Bristol company.  Bristol’s first vehicle, the 400, was largely based on the plans for the BMW 328.

    Translated with DeepL
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