Welcome back to Carshistory1! In our previous post, we explored the stunningly beautiful BMW 327. While it was a masterpiece of pre-war design and luxury, it faced one recurring criticism from automotive enthusiasts: its 55 hp engine was simply too weak for a car of its class. But BMW was listening, and their response in October 1938 was nothing short of brilliant: the BMW 327/28.
Silencing the Critics: The Best of Both Worlds
To solve the power deficit, BMW didn't need to invent a new engine; they already had a masterpiece in their arsenal. The engineers took the highly sophisticated, three-carburettor engine from their legendary track-dominating sports car—the BMW 328—and shoehorned it into the elegant chassis of the 327.
The result was effectively a "souped-up" (or "heiße" in German) version of the luxury tourer. The new engine boosted the output from a modest 55 hp to a highly respectable 80 horsepower. Finally, wealthy customers had a car that possessed both breathtaking elegance and serious performance capabilities.
Extreme Rarity and Exclusivity
Because it combined premium luxury with high-end racing technology, the BMW 327/28 was an expensive and highly exclusive automobile. Its production window was also very short, running from October 1938 until April 1940.
During this brief period, only 569 units were ever manufactured. Interestingly, despite the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, a number of these exclusive examples were still delivered to prominent clients abroad. Today, surviving models of the BMW 327/28 rank among the absolute most exclusive, sought-after, and valuable BMW classic cars in the world.
Body Styles: Convertible and Coupé
Just like the standard 327, the high-performance 327/28 was offered to customers in two magnificent body styles:
1. BMW 327/28 Sports Convertible
The convertible was by far the more popular choice among buyers. Out of the 569 total units built, 482 of them featured this beautiful open-top bodywork, allowing drivers to hear the roar of the three-carburettor engine in all its glory.
2. BMW 327/28 Sports Coupé
For those who preferred a sleek, aerodynamic hardtop for high-speed touring, the Sports Coupé was the perfect option. Being produced in much smaller numbers makes the Coupé exceptionally rare today.
Quick Specs Overview:
- Launch Year: October 1938
- Engine: Borrowed from the BMW 328 (Three-carburettor inline-six)
- Power Output: 80 hp (a huge jump from the standard 327's 55 hp)
- Total Production: 569 units (Very Rare)
- Status Today: One of the most exclusive and valuable BMW classic cars
The BMW 327/28 is the ultimate proof that BMW knows how to listen to its drivers. By combining the grace of a luxury tourer with the heart of a race car, they created an unforgettable masterpiece. Keep following Carshistory1 as we prepare to dive into the story of the engine donor itself: the legendary BMW 328!
No comments:
Post a Comment