Unique 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia to highlight RM's Monaco auction

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Filed under: Classics, Auctions, BMW

1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia "Büegelfalte" - Click above for high-res image gallery

Built for the five years before WWII, BMW's sleek 328 roadster is coveted for both its beauty and rarity. Fewer than five hundred were made, and the car featured an advanced tube frame chassis, independent front suspension and a 2.0-liter inline-6 producing 80 horsepower. That might not sound like much, but the 328 weighed just 1830 pounds and could top 100 mph.

The car you see here is a one-off 328 roadster built specifically to race in the 1940 Mille Miglia. In an effort to improve the car's performance, BMW designer Wilhelm Mayrhofer created an especially lightweight and aerodynamic body welded to the tube frame, allowing the engine and drivetrain to sit lower for a better center of gravity. Its design influence can be felt even today, specifically with the 2006 BMW Mille Miglia Concept Coupe.

Seized by the Russians after WWII, the 328 Mille Miglia Büegelfalte spent several years in Eastern Europe, although it was in BMW's care for many years as well. The current owner purchased the car in 2001, and is now offering it for sale at RM's Monaco auction on May 1. Hit the jump for more details on the car or browse through the beautiful high-res gallery below.


Gallery: 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Büegelfalte



[Source: RM Auctions | Photos (C)2010 Peter Raider]Continue reading Unique 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia to highlight RM's Monaco auction

Unique 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia to highlight RM's Monaco auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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