1939 Frazer Nash-BMW 327/80 Cabriolet

• The result of an agreement between BMW and AFN of Middlesex in 1934
• Basically a late-thirties 327 built by BMW and supplied to Frazer Nash already badged as Frazer Nash–BMW, with Imperial instruments and in right hand drive.
• Fitted with the 328's 1971cc straight-six generating 80bhp (327/80)
• Only 19 were imported with around 12 believed to have survived
• Understood to have been fully restored by the TT Workshop around 2005
• Part of BMW UK's Historic Fleet since 2015 and displayed at various events
• Currently being recommissioned by BMW and will be offered running and driving
• Absolutely stunning but some cosmetic detailing would return it to a Concours standard

BMW’s reputation as a manufacturer of sporting motorcars really started with the annual Eifelrennen event, held at the Nürburgring on 14th June 1936. Here Ernst Henne beat a field that included 1½-litre single-seat racing cars driving the prototype of what would become one of the most iconic sports cars of all time – the legendary ‘328’. The fact that this victory had been achieved only eight years after BMW’s establishment as an automobile manufacturer is all the more remarkable.

Capitalising on this success, the company launched a new range of models that would become the foundation of their reputation as a manufacturer of the highest quality cars with power and style. The flagship of the range was the 328 which incorporated a lightweight tubular chassis and a powerful straight-6 engine with overhead valves and triple carburettors.  Alongside the 328, BMW offered the 327, a delightful sports tourer based on a shortened, boxed, ladder-type chassis with semi-elliptic rear springs, a Hurth 4-speed gearbox and hydraulic brakes all round.

The 327 was available with a choice of two engines, one was BMW's standard 6-cylinder but, for an extra few Deutschmarks, the car could be fitted with the 328’s 80bhp unit. This engine was the masterpiece of designer Rudolf Schleicher and although only displacing 1,971cc, it utilised hemispherical combustion chambers, inclined valves and twin downdraught inlet ports generating a very credible 80bhp in standard tune. This design had two rocker shafts, one situated above each bank of valves, giving the engine an external appearance almost indistinguishable from that of a twin-overhead-cam design but with considerable cost saving. It proved capable of developing even more power and after the war would be used by Cooper, Bristol and Frazer Nash with great racing success.

In 1934, a cooperation agreement was concluded with BMW, which made Middlesex-based, Frazer Nash the general importer of these German vehicles for the British market and at the same time allowed them to sell the cars under their own brand name as ‘Frazer Nash-BMW’. The cars were built by BMW and supplied to Frazer Nash already badged as Frazer Nash–BMW, with Imperial instruments and in right hand drive. When fitted with the 2-litre engine, they were known as ‘Frazer Nash-BMW 327/80’. This arrangement continued until the outbreak of war in 1939 when, unsurprisingly, it was rapidly terminated. Only 19 Frazer Nash-BMW 327/80s were imported and, it's believed, only 12 remain.

The stunning piece of automotive artwork on offer here is indeed one of those surviving 12. AFN imported DAK 760 into Isleworth in early 1939 and it would be wonderful to tell you that we know all about the car's history since then, but we don't as very little documentation exists. We do know, however, that it was fully restored around 2005 by marque specialists, TT Workshop, and judging by a very similar car also restored by TT Workshop, the restoration costs would certainly exceed the car's guide today. It has formed part of BMW UK's Historic Fleet since 2015 and has been displayed at various events over the years.

Attractively finished in Midnight Blue over Cream with blue pinstripes, the car has real presence displaying none of the stately Teutonic pomp normally associated with pre-war German cabriolets, but echoes the elegant lines of thirties' Alfas with styling cues that suggest the work of those ‘swoopy’ blue and cream creations beloved of the French coachbuilders. The story is continued throughout the interior. Lavish Navy Blue leather and luxurious matching pile await you as you open the door and the whole thing is capped with one of the most beautiful dashboards we have ever seen with cream-faced Art Deco-style instruments and clocks surrounded by an array of Bakelite switches and knobs echoing the beautiful wireless radios of the era. The folding soft-top appears in excellent condition and the jack etc. are neatly stashed in the tidy engine bay. One can only imagine the reactions of people when this cabriolet was first released in 1937, it still draws gasps today. It’s a design that’s very much of its time, yet an enduring one.

32,586 miles are indicated on the odometer, naturally not warranted, and the car will be offered running and driving with the braking system currently being overhauled by BMW and general recommissioning works being undertaken. It's an older restoration with limited recent use and inevitably there will be certain items that may be inoperative, for example we have been made aware that the clock and cigar lighter are inoperative and the fuel gauge a little temperamental. There are one or two areas in need of further cosmetic detailing but overall this remains a stunning example of 1930s automotive elegance and your personal inspection is welcomed and encouraged.