Description
This is an exceptional model I am offering you; this magnificent BMW 329 Cabriolet from 1935 shows 02528 km on the speedometer, two-tone cream/ blue exterior, beige full leather upholstery and a navy blue cloth top in very good condition, functional onboard instruments and well-preserved burr walnut woods. Bought new in 1936 and in France since the Second World War, the BMW 329 was only offered as a Cabriolet; a total of 1011 units produced in 4 seats.
A major mechanical adventure; indeed, the 329 combines the engine and chassis of the old 319 with the front end of the bodywork of the 326. This atypical configuration was implemented only to compensate for a shortage of 326 chassis. Once the required volumes were reached, production of the 329 ceased (about one year of production). This BMW 329 was a transitional model. It served as a bridge between the 319 & 327 – two iconic models in BMW’s history.
6-cylinder engine renowned for reliability and a pleasant note, 1911cc
2 Solex carburettors developing 45hp
4-speed manual gearbox
Restoration in 2003 – chassis and bodywork sandblasted – replacement of gearbox bearings
Engine rebuilt in 2013
Blue Bakelite 3-spoke steering wheel
Body-colour painted wheels
Navy blue cloth top
Hydraulic brakes on all four wheels (a rarity in the 1930s)
Independent front suspension with transverse springs (carried over to the 326) – a major innovation for BMW improving handling and comfort.
Rack-and-pinion steering
Body and chassis
Painted dashboard housing the speedometer and gauges
This BMW 329 was purchased new in 1935, an era that symbolised elegance and modernity.
A few years later, fate decided otherwise. It was requisitioned by the German army during the Second World War; it became the car of an officer stationed in Lisieux.
Decades later, in the 2000s, its owner decided to trace the vehicle’s past; sharing a photograph of the car during its sale to the Domaines after the war led to an unexpected testimony from a former resistance fighter from Lisieux, who immediately recognised the car; he recalled having seen it many times in the courtyard of the Kommandantur. Thus, this elegant automobile carried a silent part of History within it.
A flowing design with integrated fenders and very rounded lines; a vertical grille typical of BMWs of that era.
Today, the BMW 3269 is extremely rare: few examples survived out of the 1011 produced. A surprisingly modern machine in terms of engineering and easy to handle.
A fine mechanical, a fine story for this hybrid model.
