1938 BMW 327 Cabriolet
Introduced in 1937, the BMW 327 was a mid-sized touring car that was available both as a coupe and a cabriolet. It was produced until 1941, with a brief post-war production in 1946.
The BMW 327 featured a unitary construction of the body and the chassis, which was advanced for the era and provided a more rigid structure for better handling and ride comfort.
The design was characterized by its flowing lines, a long hood, and a stylishly raked windscreen. The cabriolet version boasted a fabric top that could be manually folded down to give passengers an open-air driving experience.
Under the hood, the 1938 BMW 327 was powered by a 1,971cc inline 6-cylinder engine, which was equipped with two Solex carburetors and produced 55bhp at 4,500rpm. This engine was paired with a 4-speed manual transmission that delivered a smooth and engaging driving experience.
The BMW 327’s performance was quite respectable for its time, with a top speed of around 50mph, which was sufficient for the roads and driving conditions of the late 1930s. The car’s suspension setup included a front leaf-spring axle and semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear, providing a balance of comfort and handling.
The interior of the BMW 327 Cabriolet was luxurious, with high-quality materials and attention to detail. It featured comfortable leather seats and a wood-trimmed dashboard that housed the essential instruments and controls.
Only a limited number of BMW 327 models were produced, making it a rare collector’s item today. The cabriolet version, in particular, is highly sought after due to its beautiful design and open-top driving experience.
The BMW 327 Cabriolet, with its combination of aesthetic appeal and advanced features, was a precursor to BMW’s post-war luxury cars. It represented a blend of performance and refinement that was quite advanced for its time. The car’s design, especially the sweeping lines and the kidney-shaped grille, would go on to influence future BMW models.
During its production run, the BMW 327 was well-received and admired for its quality craftsmanship. However, the onset of World War II in 1939 limited its production, as BMW, like many other manufacturers, shifted its focus to the war effort.
Despite this, the BMW 327 Cabriolet and its coupe counterpart left a lasting impression and are considered milestones in BMW’s automotive history.
After the war, the BMW 327 was one of the few pre-war models that were revived and produced in limited numbers until 1946. The car’s enduring design and engineering excellence have made it a favorite among classic car enthusiasts and collectors.
Credit: Bonhams|Cars
