BMW 328: From roadster to legend

BMW 328: From roadster to legend

The BMW 328, built from 1936 to 1940, may be regarded as a milestone in automotive history. It was the most successful sports cars in its class in the Thirties. Its advanced conception and design created the basis for many subsequent evolutions which achieved success under the marques of Veritas, AFM, EMW, Bristol and Frazer Nash. The attributes and successes of the 328 also inspired the sporting qualities of the BMW marque itself.

Mille Miglia finish, 1940 (click to enlarge)

Walter Bäumer and Huschke von Hanstein (click to enlarge)

The BMW 328 is among the most-sought-after vehicles on the collectors' market. Its appeal includes its timeless good looks, lively performance, excellent handling, practicality, advanced technology and, today, its rarity. No more than 464 examples of the BMW 328 were built, of which just under one third are still giving pleasure to their fortunate owners.

In his magnificent book, expert and historian Rainer Simons describes the birth of the legend surrounding this roadster. He analyses its technology and records its successes, sketches the historical background and portrays the people who assisted at the birth of a classic automobile, the BMW 328. The book is distinguished by its quantity and quality of photos and drawings, by far the majority of which have never before been published.