1938 BMW 328 Roadster (more photos 👇)
Just 1,830 pounds (approximately 830 kg) separated this German roadster from the pavement when it made its competition debut at the Nürburgring in June 1936. Ernst Henne drove the first example to victory in the 2.0-liter class, establishing a pattern that would see the model accumulate well over 100 competition wins during the 1938 season alone.
The lightweight tubular frame construction combined with aluminum body panels allowed it to overcome larger, often supercharged competitors through superior handling rather than raw power.
Flowing bodywork incorporated a long hood with flared arches, the company’s signature kidney grille, and a compact two-seat cockpit with half-doors meeting period racing regulations. Extended rear fenders (often removed for competition) enclosed the rear wheels, while a sloped trunk carried the spare wheel during road use.
A 120-cubic-inch (2.0-liter) inline-six with overhead valves, hemispherical combustion chambers, and triple Solex downdraft carburetors produced 80 horsepower in standard trim. Racing versions generated up to approximately 135 horsepower through higher compression and upgraded carburetion, enabling top speeds exceeding 110 mph.
Production totaled just 464 examples from 1936 through 1940. Competition achievements included an overall victory at the 1940 Mille Miglia and class podium finishes at the 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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