BMW 327

The BMW 327 was introduced in 1937 and was a sensation from the beginning. Even though stationary, it looked extremely dynamic and powerful, as if it were moving. Its low body “ducked” smoothly through the airflow, similar to an airplane. The rounded front with curved cooling air openings and the radiator separately behind it ended the era of ornamental radiators in “temple form”. Integrated headlights were recently becoming en vogue, and a split and angled windshield cleverly circumvented the problem of not yet being able to produce glass in round shapes without distortion. And finally, the gently tapered rear end with its covered wheels and integrated spare wheel, which was stored under a cover but whose shape remained an important part of the overall design. To this day, the BMW 327 fascinates from every angle, especially as a coupe, and even after 80 years, it has lost none of its immensely sporty appeals.

Even then, the six-cylinder engine was a BMW trademark. Extremely smooth-running, high-torque, and enduring, it contributed a great deal to the reputation of the still-young automobile brand. In the BMW 327, the engine delivered 55 hp from just under 2 liters of displacement and ensured an impressive 125 km/h, a top figure at the time. A Hurth high-speed gearbox was available on request; it reduced the engine speed at high speeds, perfect for the new german Autobahn. A year later, in 1938, the BMW 327 could also be ordered with the engine of the new sports car BMW 328, as type BMW 327/28. That meant 80 hp and 140 km/h, which finally made it one of the fastest cars in the country. At the same time, the BMW 327 weighed only 750 kg, by today’s standards it was an absolute lightweight.