Welcome back to Carshistory1! Today, we reach the grand finale of BMW's pre-war automotive history. We have seen BMW master economy cars, dominate racetracks with the legendary 328, and capture the middle-class market. But in 1939, they decided to challenge the absolute peak of luxury motoring with their ultimate pre-war flagship: the magnificent BMW 335.
The Climax of Pre-War Luxury: Entering the Executive Class
Before 1939, the luxury executive car market in Germany was heavily dominated by rivals like Mercedes-Benz. BMW wanted a share of this prestigious segment. The solution was the BMW 335, which became the largest, fastest, and most luxurious BMW model of the pre-war period, as well as the last civilian passenger car to enter series production before World War II officially broke out.
To create this flagship, BMW's chief engineer Fritz Fiedler utilized the body of the highly successful BMW 326 and extended it by a massive 23 centimeters. This extension provided unprecedented rear legroom and interior comfort, instantly transforming the vehicle into a premium grand tourer.
Under the Hood: A Brand New 3.5-Litre Heart
The added length and luxurious cabin meant a heavier vehicle. To ensure the car drove with the effortless power expected of a flagship, BMW developed a completely new engine: the 3.5-litre inline six-cylinder (M335). Generating 90 horsepower at just 3,500 rpm, this engine prioritized smooth operation, high torque at low speeds, and supreme durability over high-revving racing dynamics.
To safely handle the heavier engine and body, BMW upgraded the 335 with much larger brake drums and wider, high-performance tires.
An Industry First: The Fully Synchronized Gearbox
The BMW 335 was not just comfortable; it was also a pioneer in automotive technology. It holds the distinction of being the first BMW automobile to offer a four-speed manual gearbox with full synchromesh on all ratios. This innovative transmission made gear changes incredibly smooth and effortless, allowing this heavy luxury sedan to comfortably reach a highly impressive top speed of 145 km/h (90 mph) on the newly constructed German Autobahns.
Extreme Rarity and Wartime Tragedy
A prototype of the 335 was first showcased at the 1938 London Motor Show (branded as a Frazer Nash for the British market). However, shortly after series production officially commenced in early 1939, the outbreak of WWII severely limited its run. By the time production was permanently halted in May 1941, only around 415 units had ever been assembled.
This tragic halt makes the BMW 335 one of the rarest, most exclusive, and highly sought-after pre-war German classic cars in the world today.
Exquisite Body Styles of the BMW 335
The limited production of the 335 was divided into three primary factory body styles, each crafted to the highest standards of luxury:
1. BMW 335 Sedan
The four-door saloon offered the ultimate executive experience. With bodywork pressed by the renowned Ambi-Budd factory in Berlin, only 233 of these elegant closed sedans were built.
2. BMW 335 Convertible 2-Door
A beautiful two-door cabriolet featuring a four-window configuration (often called the 4-light Cabriolet). Only 118 examples of this open-top masterpiece were manufactured.
3. BMW 335 Convertible 4-Door
The rarest of the standard body styles, this massive four-door convertible offered the absolute pinnacle of luxury. Only 40 units were ever built, making it an incredibly prized treasure today.
Quick Specs Overview:
- Production Years: 1939 – May 1941
- Total Units Built: ~ 415 examples (Extremely Rare)
- Engine: 3.5-litre straight-six (M335)
- Power Output: 90 hp at 3,500 rpm
- Transmission: 4-speed manual with full synchromesh (BMW's first)
- Top Speed: 145 km/h (90 mph)
The BMW 335 was the perfect ending to BMW's pre-war automotive story. It proved that BMW could successfully challenge the luxury elite of Mercedes-Benz with innovations that paved the way for future luxury sedans. Thank you for following this incredible pre-war series with us at Carshistory1, and stay tuned as we prepare to shift gears into the post-war era of automotive marvels!
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