1938 BMW 327 Sport Cabriolet

[GolfBavaria]

This car caught my eye on Hemmings. Offered in Monaco by RM Sotheby's this weekend. Although out of my league by far, I thought the Euro $110K-$140 doesn't seem "out of this world." With the No Reserve and these tasteful, more drivable "upgrades." That can be loosely interpreted and I understand maybe decrease the value, in this case I like it. Great color combo and boy would this be fun to have for Monterrey week. You decide! Hopefully we will see it there, can't even afford the plane ticket to Monaco, let alone a hotel and casino money! From the ad:

"Acquired more recently by the consignor, he embarked on a unique restoration and decided to create the ultimate BMW 327, set up for greater performance and with modern driving conditions in mind. In place of the original six-cylinder engine, a 3,168-cubic centimetre alloy V-8 from a BMW 503 with ported heads, sports camshaft, and high compression pistons was fitted. To aid cooling, a BMW 501 radiator was fitted, along with an electric fan. With more comfortable cruising in mind, a close-ratio five-speed Getrag gearbox was fitted, and the original narrow axles were replaced with 503 axles, without fundamental modifications to the 327 chassis, reportedly providing improved stability and giving the car a more purposeful stance. Subtle finishing touches include Xenon headlamps and electric windows, using the original winders converted to switches. The car was then finished in the striking deep black over yellow colour combination.

Link: http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/bmw/327/1826763.html?refer=rss

 

[Bwana]

I would say it's well done! Possibly something a hot rodder would have done shortly after the war if he had the car and found the V-8. When did BMW start making that V-8?

 

[Bmachine]

Hmm, I'm all for upgrading an e9 to more modern version of the i6, but swapping a totally different engine configuration in an 80 year old car of which less than 2,000 were originally made... That is really pushing it in my opinion.

It makes me think that there must have been another reason behind the hot rodding... Maybe he just could not find the right engine? But still, that has to make the car value take a nasty hit.

Apart from that, it looks stunning.

 

[bmw327]

BMW started making that V8 in the mid 1950's and I'm aware of at least one other 327 converted similarly. I'm also aware of one with a Ford 289 installed.

I'm not really offended by those that have been modified because they were likely basket cases when they started off. Also, even though production numbers are low, their survival rate is fairly high. I believe that there are between 200-300 remaining - one or two or half a dozen modified cars doesn't really do anything beyond offending purists.

My own 327 will be modified when complete as well, though much less so. I'll be building the original type engine (I don't have the one that came with the car, but I do have one of the correct type) with a higher CR and with larger exhaust valves in order to net about 80-90 hp. I'm also looking into either a Ford T9 5 speed or an electric overdrive to enhance highway capability. Pictured below is my own 327, taken last December.

One other item of note: The statement in the auction copy that the car has a torsion bar rear suspension is erroneous. It's a simple live axle suspended by leaf springs and damped by lever shock absorbers.