1935 Frazer Nash-BMW 319/2 Sports

After World War I, BMW was forced to cease aircraft engine production by the terms of the Versailles Armistice Treaty. The company consequently shifted to motorcycle production in 1923, once the restrictions of the treaty started to be lifted, followed by automobiles in 1928–29. However, it wasn't until 1933, with the introduction of the six cylinder 303, that BMW emerged as a truly established car manufacturer. The 303 adopted a versatile twin-tube frame, live-axle suspension and four-bearing overhead-valve engine enabling more powerful models to follow, such as the 319 in 1934. The 319 was an evolution of the 303, with a larger 1,911cc engine developing 45bhp on twin carburettors or 55bhp with optional triple carb specification. Capable of over 80mph, the 319 was sold in the UK under the Frazer Nash-BMW guise after an agreement between the two firms in late 1934. Consequently, some 319s sported British-built Coachwork, while others were made with German bodies. This beautifully presented example is a matching-numbers Frazer Nash-BMW and was delivered new to the Falcon Works in Isleworth, Frazer Nash HQ, on the 2nd July 1935 and was finished in beige and brown paintwork. The car was bought in the 1960s by the Shaw family of Derby, where it stood inactive until the early 1990s when a complete restoration began. Unfortunately, Mr Shaw passed away before the car was completed and it was subsequently sold as a complete rolling chassis, minus body, to a Mr Ugalve of Devon. The car was then restored utilising the expertise of pre-war BMW specialist, Steve White at Lodge Motor Engineering and Ashbridge Automobiles of Leighton Buzzard. In addition, the original engine was rebuilt and converted to shell bearings using Bristol connecting rods. As confirmed by a Vintage Sports-Car Club eligibility document, the car retains all of its original running gear including chassis, engine crankcase, back and front axle casings and gear box casing. Made by Jonathan Rose, the body is loosely based on a BMW 328 sports car of the period and is constructed on the original 319 chassis - without alteration - using a robust tubular framework and aluminium panels. Consequently, this lightweight coachwork has enabled an extremely potent power-to-weight ratio. Complete with its original registration number, 'LMF 37', it has been campaigned in recent years at Brooklands and Prescott and is very well known to the VSCC and Frazer Nash-BMW circles. Offered with MoT test certificate until March 2012, original buff log book, current road fund licence and a detailed record of correspondence between owners, this aluminium bodied pre-war tourer would make an ideal entrant to the very best competitions and rallies throughout the world.