The BMW 328 and its early competition successes, especially when considering the youth of the BMW brand at the time, are key components as to why it is so highly regarded today. From a brand that found its roots very much in aeroplane and motorcycle engine building; the curation of available parts to create the best possible result was the best option for the marque which lacked the resources of its larger rivals of the time.
Born from the acquisition of the Dixi works in 1928 – a factory that had been manufacturing the Austin Seven under licence, BMW had found their way into to automotive manufacture. The Dixi was evolved and developed over time, gaining swing-axle suspension, and overhead valves. Continued development saw their automotive offering improve over time and in 1933, BMW launched their first six-cylinder powered car, the 303. Road-holding was greatly improved through the use of a more conventional live axle whilst the steering moved to a rack and pinion set up. These efforts would pave the way for more power and increasingly sporty models going forward.
The ‘mix and match’ approach to model development had served BMW well, the 328 utilised a tubular chassis, independent front suspension and the live rear axle of the preceding 319 combined with the cylinder block and hydraulic brakes of the 326. Turning away from the traditional heavyweight strengthening, the 328 used a chassis that was stiff but primarily light – merits which allowed the car to be softly sprung.
The engine received a bespoke head with hemispherical combustion chambers and inclined valves, that still allowed for the Type 326 engine’s single camshaft and pushrod valves to be retained. Down-draught inlet ports supported flexibility in tuning and meant the engine would be a popular motorsports choice well past its years. The engine produced 80bhp; a healthy sum for a 2.0litre engine of the time and more available with some fettling.
The first 328s were available from late summer in 1936 and unlike the prototypes, they received doors and a convertible roof. The lightweight construction and considerable power output meant the 328 would be a force to be reckoned with on the racetrack. BMW won its class at the Mille Miglia in 1938 and two years later, the 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupe would win overall. Elsewhere BMW took victories at Le Mans, Spa 24hrs and at the Tourist Trophy.
In 1934, AFN Ltd concluded an agreement with BMW to import their cars into the UK, to be sold under the Frazer-Nash BMW banner. The bodywork would in fact be shared between British companies and others built by BMW prior to dispatch. In 1938, a Frazer-Nash BMW in production trim successfully completed more than 100 miles in an hour at Brooklands loop.
The 328 remained successful after the war and its engine would remain as the base for many race cars well into the 1950s. Between 1936 and 1939 only 426 examples were produced, of which fewer than 200 are known to survive today. Of the total production, just 48 examples were imported to the UK by AFN and sold in right hand drive.
Completed on 20th October 1937, this wonderful example was first owned by gentleman racer Denis Flather. Based in Sheffield and a steel merchant by trade, Flather raced the car extensively and commanded considerable respect behind the wheel.
Denis’ father had been a founding member of the Sheffield Motor Club, and, having grown up around cars himself, founded the British Trials and Rally Drivers’ Association. Organising multiple forms of competition, he also acted as the President of the association for many years. Alongside the 328, he also built and raced 500cc Formula 3 racing cars or ‘Flather Specials’ as they were known. Alongside his competition exploits, he also found time to act as chairman for BRM in their early days and actively involve himself in the RAC Competitions Committee.
In 1949, Flather sold the BMW and after passing through several owners in quick succession, it was sold to the penultimate keeper on 22nd January 1950 with whom it would remain with for 70 years until June 2022.
Throughout that time ‘GML 185’ has affectionately been known as Zoë as mentioned in the accompanying three-volume history file. Zoë was regularly toured abroad and in 1950 was driven to both the 24hr Le Mans and the French Grand Prix at Reims-Geux.
Competition was evidently instilled in the car from the start and the racing continued; Hill climbs were common practice, as well as multiple volumes of The Land’s End Trial, Exeter Trial and Edinburgh classic reliability trials. The 328 was then used as an everyday car between 1952 and 1970.
Having spent a good number of years off the road, Zoë was treated to a comprehensive restoration by renowned specialists Thornley Kelham Ltd over a two year period culminating in 2017. Throughout the restoration, Mr John Giles, founder and past director of TT Workshops was extensively consulted to ensure the car conformed to factory specification as closely as possible. Comprehensively documented and photographed, the restoration was summarised in a lengthy article in Classic Car magazine as well as an accompanying hardback photo album.
'GML 185' won the 'Best in Show' award, presented by Octane magazine, at the 2017 London Concours held at the Honourable Artillery Company's headquarters, and was subsequently displayed in the Royal Automobile Club on Pall Mall.
The comprehensive restoration included the following aspects:
New cylinder block made by Crosthwaite & Gardiner from BMW-held pattern/mould New crankshaft and damper
New con-rods (Thin Wall bearings)
New pistons (compression ratio increased to 8.5:1
New camshaft bearings
Enlarged Bristol oil pump, filter, and oil cooler
Bosch distributor
New fuel pump
Rebuilt carburettors
New air filters
Hurth gearbox (from contemporary BMW 320, this box is more robust than the original ZF)
New bearings, seals and synchro cones throughout
Electrics converted to 12-volt
New wiring loom
Direction indicators
Radiator re-cored
Suspension arms and kingpins crack-tested
Reconditioned Bristol cylinder head (new valves, guides, springs, rocker shafts, etc)
Six-branch exhaust manifold
New under-trays
New bonnet strut arrangement
Further works have since been carried out by Patrick Blakeney-Edwards on behalf of the current owner; David Cottingham, the co-founder of DK Engineering. Accompanied by its three-volume history file, a wealth of pre-restoration spare parts, extensive literature, Zoë is ready to be viewed at our showrooms outside London immediately.
Generally regarded as one of the very few pre-war models that drives like a post-war car, the Frazer-Nash BMW 328 is eligible for all the most important historic events including the Mille Miglia, Nürburgring Oldtimer GP, and Le Mans Historic.
I wish I had 40k
