Highlights

One of approximately 152 EMW 327-3 Sport Coupes built at the Eisenach factory, this being number 33
Comprehensively restored, completed in 2005
Award-winning restoration, scoring 4.81 out of 5.00 at the time of restoration
Approximately 3,000 km covered since restoration

The Appeal

War had ceased, but the rewritten borders in Europe were nevertheless causing problems for BMW. Soviet occupation refused to return the Eisenach factory to the Bavarian marque, and by the 1950s, it had carved out a unique new identity. Not quite a reimagining - simply a Soviet-red badge and a minor name change; thus the world met EMW - Eisenacher Motorenwerk, and EMW's main project was a very familiar looking machine...

Technically indistinguishable from the BMW 327 that preceded it, the post-war EMW was produced at BMW's former Eisenach factory under Soviet occupation from 1952 to 1955, creating a very evocative Cold War curiosity that was only ever built in tiny numbers - only around 152 reported 327-3s ever having felt the production line.

This particular car, serial number 88035 and the 33rd example produced, was comprehensively restored by its current owner, the extensive programme of work having been completed in 2005. The quality of that work speaks for itself: the car went on to win a nationwide restoration competition, scoring an impressive 4.81 out of 5.00. In the approximately 21 years since, it has covered only around 3,000 km and has been consistently maintained and serviced.

The vendor reports that it remains in good order mechanically and drives well, though some signs of wear are present as one might expect after two decades.

For collectors of rare post-war European machinery, this is a particularly rare opportunity - you may not come across one of these again!

History and Paperwork

Manufacturing/serial number 88035, the 33rd of approximately 152 EMW 327-3 Sport Coupes built
Produced at the Eisenach factory between 1952 and 1955
Restored by the current owner, with the work completed in 2005
Detailed photographs of the car and the restoration process available upon request
Accompanied by a small package of paperwork

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The Condition

Handsome two-tone bodywork
Some signs of wear in places
Brightwork contrasting nicely
Handsome red leather interior
Well-presented woodwork
Bodywork and interior renewed and repaired during the 2005 restoration
The vendor reports the car still presents in good order over 20 years on from the restoration

While it's ostensibly a Cold War car, the 327 carries clear post-war lines. Big, sweeping arches, two-tone paintwork and a distinctive taper make for a deeply handsome, distinguished car that feels sporty yet authoritative. It's a very handsome machine, and the curiosity of the red badging and slight differences to its Bavarian counterpart make it a pleasure to examine.

Internally, the red leather is in good condition, and the wooden veneers are very evocative and luxurious. It's clearly a car with comfort in mind, and still looks very impressive two decades post-restoration.

The vendor notes that some signs of wear are to be noted on the bodywork, but it's broadly in fine order, and a look through the photos should tick plenty of boxes for the enthusiast.

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The Mechanics

1971cc straight-six engine, as shared with the BMW 326
Four-speed manual transmission
Hydraulic brake system
Front suspension configuration derived from the BMW 326
Top speed of up to 78 mph (125 km/h)
The vendor reports that the car is mechanically in order and drives well
Always maintained and serviced when required

The hardware tucked under the car's tapered nose is the familiar BMW M78 straight-six, and is believed to be true-to-factory spec throughout, mirroring the 326's mechanics. The vendor reports that the car is driving well and has proven a robust runner, having been rebuilt as part of the restoration and been regularly maintained ever since.

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