Beschreibung
For sale in our forthcoming auction in Monaco, on 19 july 2021.
Monegasque title
Chassis no. 85037
- Prestigious history and provenance
- High-quality restoration by BMW Classic
- Rare model, eligible for the top historic motorsport events in the world
- In the same ownership since 1997
- Earl Howe's racing BMW 328
Thanks to its design and styling, the BMW 328 impressed people around the world when it made its appearance in June 1936, winning the Eifelrennen at the Nürburgring. Amazingly modern, it had a tubular ladder-type chassis, independent front suspension, hydraulic brakes and a 2-litre 6-cylinder engine with an innovative overhead-valve design and hemispherical combustion chambers. It was fitted with a lightweight body with simple, flowing lines, a contrast to the traditional styling of most sports cars at the time. The 328 became an archetypal model and its performance in competition, with many class wins, brought it numerous followers, including the English manufacturer Frazer Nash, which acquired the licence to build it in the UK.
It is one of these versions, identical to the German model, which we are offering today. Chassis no. 85037, registered in England FMT 524, was bought practically new by Viscount Curzon, later to become Earl Howe. He belonged to a prestigious motoring family, as his father had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1931 (driving an Alfa Romeo 8C with Henry Birkin) and was President of the British Racing Drivers' Club. Earl Howe had been impressed by the results achieved by A. F. P. Fane, a shareholder in Frazer Nash and driver for the firm, at the wheel of a 328. With his wife Evelyn, Fane was one of the leading figures in the world of motorsport in England in the mid-1930s. The couple can be seen with the 328 in a photograph in Michael Frostick's book on the BMW. Shortly after winning the Eastbourne concours in 1937 with FMT 524, Fane and his wife sold the car directly to Earl Howe.
Howe had the car painted in his family's colours of blue with grey wheels. He also had competition-style slots set into the wheels to lighten them. He then took part in several races in England, notably at Brooklands. In a letter recounting his memories of the BMW, he wrote, "I took part in several hill climbs at Brooklands and speed trials throughout the country, and naturally I drove the car on the road whenever I had the chance. The car never let me down and was always maintained with great care. I was timed over the half-mile at Brooklands at 90mph, with the wind against me ...".
During the war, Earl Howe was stationed near the Japanese island of Okinawa and on his return, he sold the car. Its trials and tribulations remain unclear before it was found by the well-known specialist Tony Mitchell, who sold it to Colin Buckmaster. Buckmaster set about a full restoration and took the opportunity to replace the gearbox, an acknowledged 'Achilles heel' of the model, by a Moss unit with overdrive. The cylinder head was also replaced by a Bristol version, of higher quality. Finally, the floor pan was modified to accommodate the owner, who was 6 feet 5 inches tall. The 328 was subsequently offered for sale at auction in 1973 and bought by an enthusiast from North Yorkshire, D. Benson. In 1976, it was sold to a Mr. Rose, who often took part in historic motorsport events, driving the car to the circuits. In 1990, during a particularly competitive race, one of the conrods broke, holing the block, which was therefore replaced by a new one.
When he purchased the car at auction in England in 1997, its current owner was living in the USA. A valuation report from that year describes it as being in excellent condition, following its older restoration. During the 2000s, the owner moved to Monaco and brought the BMW with him, registering it there in 2009. A valuation report from 2012 notes that the car had been properly looked after, although it was showing some signs of fatigue. With the idea of taking part in the Mille Miglia, the owner decided to have the car restored and turned to the company he considered best qualified, the manufacturer itself. In June 2013, he therefore signed a restoration contract with BMW Classic, which carried out a full restoration of the car in its Munich workshops, respecting its original specification. This was completed in 2015, with a total of nearly 200, 000 € spent on the work.
Today, the car has been restored to the highest professional standards in BMW Classic's workshops. Its appearance is magnificent and its rear wheel spats have been refitted, contributing to the originality of its design. Its mechanical components, bodywork and upholstery have all been checked or restored at great expense by the manufacturer itself, a guarantee of their conformity. The work carried out can be confirmed from the bills and valuation reports included in the car's file. A BMW Classic certificate was supplied after the restoration. Finally, it should be noted that this model is particularly rare: fewer than 500 cars were built, of which under 200 are thought to survive.
Easy to drive for a car from this period, this BMW 328 is now ready to be driven and to attend the most prestigious historic events, such as the Mille Miglia or Le Mans Classic, allowing its manufacturer's colours to shine once again in competition, just as they did with the illustrious drivers who previously sat at its wheel.
Photos © Benjamin Marziac
Estimation 600 000 - 800 000 €
