MOTOR CARS | 2270t was the acquisition of the Dixi works at Eisenach in 192 that had
provided BMW, hitherto a manufacturer of aero engines and motorcycles,
with a foothold in car manufacturing. BMWs first car, the built-under-
license Dixi version of the Austin Seven was gradually developed and
improved, ending up with swing-axle suspension and overhead valves,
and then in 1933 came the first true BMW - the six-cylinder 303. The
latter adopted a twin-tube frame and abandoned the rear swing axles
in favour of a conventional live axle, while up front there was a superior
transverse-leaf independent suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.
These features, along with the four-bearing, overhead-valve engine,
would provide the basis for the more powerful and sportingly inclined
models to follow.
Lacking the resources of larger and longer established rivals, BMW
adopted an evolutionary, 'mix and match' approach to model
development. Thus the 32 employed the body style first seen on the
interim 329 model, which was mechanically identical to the 319 of
- Introduced in 1936, the 326 was a landmark model of immense
significance and the first BMW to have a box-section ladder-type
frame rather than the traditional tubular variety, while its torsion bar rear
springing was another first for the Bavarian manufacturer.
Boring out the block by 1mm increased the capacity of the well-tried
overhead-valve six to 1,971cc and raised maximum power to 50bhp
in single-carburettor form as installed in the 326. Other noteworthy
developments included hydraulic brakes and a four-speed gearbox with
freewheel on 1st and 2nd gears enabling clutch-less gear changes, a
particularly useful feature in city traffic. The 32 proved an immense
success for BMW, almost 1 ,000 being sold up to 1941 when
production ceased.This matching numbers BMW 32 Cabriolet was delivered new in July
193 to Runge, Glas Cia of Buenos Aires, Argentina, as confirmed
by the BMW Classic Certificate on file. The original exterior finish was
0vory. We are advised that five owners are known: the first in Argentina,
the second in Italy, and the third in Sweden. The fourth owner, Mr Ian
Donaldson of Odiham, Hampshire acquired the BMW in October 2014,
at which time it was first registered in the <K (V5C on file). The current
(fifth) owner purchased the car in April 2015 (sale contract on file). An
older restoration, well maintained since, this beautiful BMW 32 Cabriolet
is ideal for historic rallies and other classic car events.
£60,000 - 70,000
€69,000 - 81,000184
1938 BMW 326 CABRIOLET
Registration no. Y?G 517
Chassis no. 84783
- Delivered new to Argentina
- Right-hand drive
- An older restoration
- Original handbook available