1939 | BMW 328

The BMW 328 offered here with chassis number 85351 has regularly participated in rallies, tours and other classic car events for several decades and is very well known among historic racing enthusiasts. The early history of this 328 is unfortunately not known.

In the 1980s, the 328 came into the possession of Ralph Day, a former owner of a BMW dealership in Concord, California. Through his passion for classic car events, the 328 was entered in the 1988 Mille Miglia Storica and the 8th Interstate Batteries Great America Race in 1990, among other events.

In 1996, a couple acquired this car and participated in tours and races with it for decades. Several participations in the California Mille and the Colorado Grand. They also participated in the following events with the 328:

    1999, 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2012 Monterey Historics.

    1999 and 2000 Thunderhill of the Classic Sport Racing Group

    1999 Concord Hill

    2000 Sears Point Wine Classic

    2007 Wine Country Classic

    2012 Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival

Over the past 30 years, the 328 has been used and serviced regularly. Very good documentation of service and restoration invoices dating back to 1998 is available. The engine is in original 328-configured condition. Expert Shawn Thomas rebuilt this engine along with later upgrades for improved engine performance and reliability. A Volvo synchromesh gearbox is fitted to this 328. In addition to rear skirts and a tarpaulin, a contemporary BMW gearbox is also included.

Recently serviced by the renowned Kevin Kay Restorations in Redding, California, the 328 is in pristine condition. Mild Californian climate and two dedicated owners who have always maintained this car as required make this 328 a reliable driver for long tours and races. Although this example is not a show car, it would more than hold its own at gatherings of racing and sports car enthusiasts.

Special features

• Only two owners since the end of the 80s
• BMW Classic certificate
• Only 464 produced

History of the series

The BMW 328 Roadster is a true BMW racing icon. The R6 engine with 2L displacement, which was installed in the BMW 326, originally produced 40 hp and was reconfigured for the BMW 328. It received a power increase to 80 hp.  From 1936 - 1939, 464 examples were produced, of which only a few were roadsters.

The history of the 328 looks back on many victories. The racing driver Ernst Henne took first place at the Eifel Race on the Nürburgring in 1937. By the end of 1937, further victories included the Eläintarhanajo in Finland, the GP des Frontéres, the Bucharest Grand Prix and again the Eifel Race. In 1938 the 328 won 125 races including several victories at the Mille Miglia.

The 328 dominated the club races until the 1950s. Many examples were fitted with a retrofitted engine by the Bristol aircraft company, which obtained the rights to the design for World War II. The upgraded 328 engine was very popular among British club racers.

Due to its many world-class racing successes, its design and its innovative engineering for its time, make the 328 one of the most sought-after and important pre-war BMWs among collectors and historic racing enthusiasts.

Opening hours: Mon - Sat by appointment

Carola Daimler Cars is a company owned by the great-granddaughter of inventor and visionary Gottlieb Daimler. We collect, trade and broker classic cars, youngtimers and collector's items with potential and history. We place particular emphasis on quality, history and preserved charm.

Leasing/Financing: Our partner will be happy to provide you with a customised leasing & financing offer for this vehicle.

Subject to prior sale and errors for this offer. The vehicle description on the Internet serves only as a general identification of the vehicle and does not constitute a warranty in the sense of sales law. The agreements in the purchase contract alone are decisive.

Internet: www.carola-daimler.de
Facebook: facebook.com/caroladaimlercars
Instagram: @carola_daimler_cars