1938 BMW Model 328 Mille Miglia Roadster

1938 BMW Model 328 Mille Miglia Roadster - photographed at the Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, California.

1938 BMW Model 328 Mille Miglia Roadster - Click Photo(s)for Larger Image

The BMW 328 was introduced in June 1936 and combined the Model 319 sports tubular chassis with a new aluminum cylinder head. Only 462 Model 328 cars were built between 1936 and 1940 and it absolutely ruled the 2-liter sports car racing class.

BMW's Racing Department, headed by Rudolf Schleicher, made major modifications for the 1940 Mille Miglia; more factory races were produced and performance increased to 135 bhp.

This streamlined BMW 328-based race car is one of three know to exist from the six originally built and competed successfully in the 1940 Mille Miglia. The Team Prize for victory in all classes went to the special 328 models that year.

Of the three existing cars, one is in Russia, one is in the BMW Museum in Munich and this car which has been used by BMW North America for press events and car shows. This car has been actively vintage raced and competed in the 1986 Mille Miglia and in the 1989 and 1990 Colorado Grand touring events.

This car is one of the most important BMW race cars in history.

Specifications:

Engine: 6-cylinder, inline, OHV
Bore/Stroke: 66 mm x 96 mm
Displacement: 1957 cc
Horsepower: 135 @ 5500 rpm

Photo By: Douglas Wilkinson
Date: June, 2005
Location: Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, California
Copyright: 2005 © Douglas Wilkinson - All rights reserved