Registration CSU 666

Chassis: 74497

Odometer: 2447

Transmission: Manual

MOT: September 2026

• One of only 428 produced
• Matching 328-type 80bhp straight-six engine
• Long-term ownership since 1990
• £72,000+ specialist restoration expenditure

A truly exceptional pre-war grand touring motor car, this rare right-hand-drive BMW 327/328 Sports Cabriolet combines elegant coachbuilt styling with the highly desirable 328 competition engine, creating one of the most advanced and capable sporting cars of its era. Beautifully presented and benefiting from long-term enthusiast ownership, this is a significant and increasingly collectible BMW from one of the marque’s most important early periods.

Introduced in the late 1930s, the BMW 327 was conceived as a refined open-top sporting tourer, offering style, comfort and strong performance in equal measure. When specified with the famed 328 engine, however, the car became something rather more special. The result was a sophisticated high-speed cabriolet with genuine sporting credentials, regarded by many as one of the finest European road cars of its day.

Power comes from BMW’s celebrated 1,971cc straight-six engine of 328 type, producing approximately 80bhp — a remarkable figure for a naturally aspirated two-litre car of the period. With its advanced cylinder head design and free-revving character, the 328 engine became legendary both on road and track, later influencing numerous post-war competition and specialist cars. In the lighter and more civilised 327 body, it provides an ideal blend of pace, refinement and usability.

Only 428 examples of the 327/328 were completed before production ceased in 1940, making these cars exceptionally rare today. Surviving examples are highly prized by collectors, particularly those with known history and long-term custodianship such as this example.

BMW archive records confirm that this car was delivered new on 16th March 1939 to Auto Reinhart in Stettin, then a major Polish seaport. By 31st December 1939 it had been registered in Scotland as ‘CSU 666’, adding a fascinating wartime chapter to its already compelling history. How the car came to Britain during such a turbulent period is an intriguing story in itself and only adds to the car’s unique provenance.

The current owner acquired the BMW in 1990 and subsequently entrusted respected marque specialists TT Workshops with a comprehensive restoration programme. Over a number of years, substantial expenditure in excess of £72,000 was invested, with detailed invoices supporting the work undertaken. This included a full engine rebuild, extensive mechanical recommissioning and a bare-metal repaint, ensuring the car was restored to a highly presentable and usable standard.

Further maintenance expenditure has also been incurred since, demonstrating a continued commitment to preserving the car properly rather than simply storing it. The result is a motor car described as good and sound, with attractive coachwork, smart trim and an overall presentation that invites enjoyment rather than static display. The paintwork has crscked in places, showing signs of age but does not dettract.

The interior presents with period charm and pleasing patina, while the hood is said to present well. The cabin retains the elegant simplicity and craftsmanship expected of a late-1930s BMW, with beautiful instrumentation and unmistakable pre-war character.

A notable practical upgrade is the fitment of a later Volvo gearbox with overdrive. While purists may prefer complete originality, the conversion offers significantly more relaxed cruising and improved road usability, making the car far more enjoyable for modern touring and long-distance events. It is very much in keeping with the philosophy of a car intended to be driven and appreciated.

Few cars of this period combine rarity, performance, elegance and documented provenance so successfully. This is not only an important early BMW, but a charming and genuinely usable pre-war sports cabriolet capable of holding its own in rallies, concours lawns or private collections alike.

Recently this vehicle attended the Beaulieu 'Drive It Day', where it was driven to and from, and kept up with modern day traffic with no issues. The vehicle starts on the button with the engine sounding good, something that was advanced for its time, and changes gear smoothly. It even comes with an MOT till Septmber 2026, showing its road worthyiness.