Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
9th October, 2024 13:00
1939 Frazer Nash-BMW 327/ 80 Cabriolet
1 of just 19 examples manufactured
Estimate
£130, 000 - £150, 000
Registration No: DAK 760
Chassis No: 74554
MOT: Exempt
1 of just 19 examples manufactured, with c. 12 reputed to have survived
Comprehensively restored by the TT Workshop in approximately 2005
Part of BMW UK's Historic Fleet from 2015-2022 and displayed at various events with BMW
Recommissioned by BMW in 2022
Cosmetically detailed while in the vendor's ownership and now presenting excellently
The reputation of BMW as a manufacturer of sporting motorcars initially started with the annual ‘Eifel Race’ event, held at the Nürburgring. On the 14th of June 1936, Ernst Henne beat a field that included 1½-litre single-seat racing cars driving the prototype of what would become one of the most iconic sports cars of all time – the legendary ‘328’. The 328 would go on to dominate the 2-litre race class and achieved outright victory in the 1940 Mille Miglia. The fact that the initial victory of 1936 had been achieved only eight years after BMW’s establishment as an automobile manufacturer made it all the more remarkable. To capitalise on the racing success, the company launched a new range of models that would become the foundation of its reputation as a manufacturer of highest quality cars with power and style. The 328 flagship of the range incorporated a lightweight tubular chassis and a powerful straight-six engine with overhead valves and triple carburettors.
Alongside the 328, BMW offered the 327, a delightful four-seater sports tourer based on a shortened, boxed, ladder-type chassis with semi-elliptic rear springs, a Hurth 4-speed gearbox and hydraulic brakes all round. Offered as a two-door Coupe or Cabriolet, there was also two engine options, the more powerful of which (the 327/ 80) utilised the lusty 80bhp unit from the 328. This engine was the masterpiece of designer Rudolf Schleicher and although only displacing 1, 971cc, it utilised hemispherical combustion chambers, inclined valves and twin downdraught inlet ports generating a very credible 80bhp in standard tune. The styling was again the work of Peter Schimanowski and lent itself to the two-tone paintwork that adorned many examples of the breed.
Rewinding the clock somewhat to January 1st 1929, a former GN apprentice became managing director of AFN Ltd., H. J. ‘Aldy’ Aldington, was also a keen competitor. Dubbed the ‘High Priest of the Chain Gang’ by none other than Bill Boddy, his team finished second overall on the 1933 Alpine Trial. Determined to go one better the following year, he was dismayed to find that his Chain Gang Nashes were no match for BMW’s new 315 Two-Seater Sports. Thanks to financial input from A. F. P. Fane, AFN Ltd became the sole concessionaire for BMW in the UK during November 1934 with the resultant right-hand drive cars being offered as Frazer-Nash BMWs. This arrangement continued until the outbreak of war in 1939 when, unsurprisingly, it was rapidly terminated. Only 19 examples of the Frazer Nash-BMW 327/ 80s were imported and, it's believed, just 12 survive.
Imported by AFN Ltd into Isleworth in early 1939 for supply to its first owner and road registered ‘DAK 760’, the 327/ 80 is finished attractively in Midnight Blue over Cream with Blue pinstripes. Possessing a real presence and displaying none of the stately Teutonic pomp normally associated with pre-war German cabriolets, but echoes the elegant lines of thirties' Alfas with styling cues that suggest the work of those ‘swoopy’ Bue and Cream creations beloved of the French coachbuilders. The story is continued throughout the interior with lavish Navy Blue leather, with a beautiful dashboard fitted with Cream-faced Art Deco-style instruments and clocks surrounded by an array of Bakelite switches and knobs. The folding Blue soft-top appears in excellent condition and the jack etc. are neatly stashed in the engine bay.
Lavished with a full restoration in approximately 2005 by well-renowned marque specialists, TT Workshop, before thereafter joining BMW UK's Historic Fleet in 2015. Remaining there for several years, the 327/ 80 was featured at various events and displays before the decision to rationalise the Historic Fleet was taken in 2022. Provided with a full recommissioning by BMW including a full overhaul of the brakes, the Frazer-Nash was then acquired by the vendor into his private collection, which does contain other significant BMWs. Cosmetically detailed by the vendor and then simply used and enjoyed, the Frazer-Nash now comes to market ready for the next custodian. Exceptionally rare, examples of the 327/ 80 rarely come to market making this an opportunity not to be missed for Frazer-Nash or BMW enthusiasts.
