1939 BMW 328 Roadster
- Engine
- Nearly 2.0L inline-six with hemispherical head, crossover pushrod exhaust actuation, approximately 80 bhp
Chassis 85351 is a late-production example of the BMW 328, one of 464 built before the outbreak of war in 1939 and widely regarded as the most significant pre-war BMW. Powered by an innovative hemispherical-head inline six producing 80 bhp, it has been a regular participant in historic motorsport for several decades, accumulating a well-documented event record across California and beyond. Maintained continuously by two successive owners over roughly thirty years, it remains in active racing-ready condition.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$550,000
- —Auction saleEstimate US$500,000 – US$600,000
- —Auction saleSold US$500,000
- → 1996Acquisition unknownRalph Daypartial documentation
Former proprietor of a BMW dealership in Concord, California, who regularly campaigned the car at major historic events during his ownership.
- 1996 →Private saleCurrent consignors (couple)full documentation
Pair of owners who actively used the car in vintage tours and races over roughly two decades; service and restoration records survive from 1998 onward, and recent maintenance was carried out by Kevin Kay Restorations in Redding, California.
Competition
- 1936Eifelrennen NürburgringDriver: Ernst Henne1st overall
Debut outing for the first 328 prototype, chassis 85001, driven by the factory's Ernst Henne.
- 1937Eläintarhanajowin
One of multiple victories recorded by factory and privateer 328 entries during the model's first customer year, held in Finland.
- 1937GP des Frontièreswin
Among several victories taken by 328 entries in the model's first full competitive season.
- 1937Bucharest Grand Prixwin
One of multiple checkered flags recorded by 328 entries during the 1937 season.
- 1937Eifelrennen Nürburgringwin
Second consecutive victory for the 328 at this event, taken in the model's first full customer season.
- 1938Mille Miglia1st, 2nd, and 3rd overall
Part of a dominant 1938 campaign in which 328 entries swept the top three finishing positions.
- 1938International Avusrennen1-2-3 sweep
One of several events in 1938 where 328 entries dominated the entire podium.
- 1938GP des Frontières1-2-3 sweep
Repeated the model's prior-year win with a full podium lockout in 1938.
- 1938Nürburgringtwo victories
The 328 recorded a pair of wins at the Nürburgring during its highly successful 1938 campaign.
- 1939Le Mans 24 Hours5th, 7th, and 9th overall
A three-car factory team entry; all three cars finished the race.
- 1940Mille Miglia1st and 3rd (factory); 5th and 6th (privateers)
A shortened wartime edition of the event in which BMW 328 entries utterly dominated, with the factory squad taking first and third and independent entries filling the next two spots.
- 19881988 Mille Miglia StoricaDriver: Ralph Day
Entry by then-owner Ralph Day in this historic touring revival event.
- 1990Great American Race8th Interstate Batteries Great American RaceDriver: Ralph Day
A transcontinental endurance-style marathon running from Westchester County, New York, to Anaheim, California, entered by Day while he owned the car.
- 1999Monterey Historics
- 1999Classic Sport Racing GroupClassic Sport Racing Group Thunderhill
- 1999Concord Hill
- 2000Monterey Historics
- 2000Classic Sport Racing GroupClassic Sport Racing Group Thunderhill
- 2000Sears Point Wine Classic
- 2005Monterey Historics
- 2007Wine Country Classic
- 2011Monterey Historics
- 2012Monterey Historics
- 2012Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival
Event founded by Monterey Historics organiser Steve Earle, replacing the earlier series.
- —California Mille
The consignors participated in multiple runnings of this California-based vintage touring event during their ownership from 1996 onward.
- —Colorado Grand
The car took part in several editions of this vintage touring rally during the consignors' ownership.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1998Maintenance
Earliest dated entry in the service and restoration documentation file; continuous records of maintenance and restoration work begin from this point.
Invoices on file from 1998 onward covering the subsequent ownership period.
- —Engine rebuildShawn Thomas
The period BMW inline-six engine, configured to 328 specification, was rebuilt by specialist Shawn Thomas and fitted with later updates intended to enhance both output and long-term reliability.
- —Modification
A Volvo synchromesh gearbox was fitted in place of the original unit; the period-correct BMW gearbox is retained and included with the car.
- —ServiceKevin Kay Restorations
Recent comprehensive servicing carried out to bring the car to touring and racing readiness.
Workshop located in Redding, California.
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