BMW 327 Sportkabriolett 1941

History and background

The BMW 327 Sportkabriolett belongs to BMW's prewar and immediate postwar sporty models, a type developed at a time when the brand sought to distinguish itself with compact, relatively refined open bodies. Originally introduced in the second half of the 1930s, the 327 was on a technically related platform to the 326, but received a lower and sportier-lined body. Thus, the BMW 327 Sportkabriolett occupied a position between touring car and sporty grand tourer, with a market approach that focused more on comfort and appearance than pure competition.

After the war, the 327 type designation regained significance, with production and development continuing in the German automobile company under changed conditions. For the post-war 327/2, this was a very small pre-series. According to the chassis number, this example is the second example of that pre-series. Only 14 cars of this pre-series were built. This makes the 1949 BMW 327 Sportkabriolett a particularly early and rare version within postwar production.

An important historical distinction lies in the origin of the comparable EMW versions from Eisenach, whose construction did not begin until 1952. The BMW 327 Sportkabriolett offered here is thus an original BMW and not a variant produced later under the EMW brand. Within the history of BMW and postwar automobile production in Germany, that distinction is relevant, as it places the car in the brief period when the original BMW identity in Eisenach was still directly associated with the type.

Characteristics and special features


The BMW 327 Sportkabriolett is known for its streamlined open body, which in the 1930s and 1940s appealed to the tastes of buyers looking for a representative and technically modest, yet well cared for car. The combination of low roofline, long hood and relatively compact proportions made the model recognizable within the BMW range. The 327 was delivered at the time as a sporty convertible with a clear emphasis on elegance and practicality, without the extreme styling of exclusive sports cars of the same period.

With this BMW 327 Sportkabriolett, much technical work has been done in the recent past. The gasoline supply, engine tuning, steering, differential, gearbox and brakes have been thoroughly serviced or restored. These are important technical systems in a car of this generation, as they determine the mechanical cohesion of the vehicle. The car further features matching numbers of engine and bodywork, which is a relevant feature for collectors of classic BMWs.

The black and red color scheme matches the design of the BMW 327 Sportkabriolett and emphasizes the classic lines of the bodywork. The soft top is in excellent condition. Together with the early build date of 1949 and the limited pre-series place within the post-war 327/2, this makes the car a rare and historically clearly placeable specimen.

The car has a Dutch registration number. The date of first admission listed at the RDW of June 30, 1941 is incorrectly registered and does not correspond to the actual construction and production period of this specimen. The BMW is a post-war 327/2 from 1949 and belongs to the pre-series of which only 14 examples were built.

Summary


The 1949 BMW 327 Sportkabriolett is a very early post-war 327/2, with chassis number of the second example from a pre-series of only 14 pieces. This is an original BMW with matching numbers, finished in black and red and equipped with a soft top in excellent condition. Several technical parts have received a lot of attention in the recent past. To get a good picture of the lot we advise you to come to the viewing day.