Germany's BMW was originally an aero-engine manufacturer before entering automobile production with its acquisition of Dixi Werke of Eisenach, ermany in 1928. There Dixi continued to manufacture a licensed built version of the Austin Seven. The BMW badge was adopted for these cars in January 1929.
Growth was rapid. By 1934, MW was building the type 315, 1,490 cc car available in 40 hp, riple carburetor tune. The 1936 Berlin Auto Show heralded the 326, MW's first 4 door sedan, owered by a 1,971 cc, 0 hp engine and capable of 72 mph. More streamlined than earlier BMWs, he 326 led to several variations: the 320, cheaper 4 cylinder car, nd the short chassis, cylinder 327, vailable as either a two seat coupe or cabriolet. From 1938, n uprated engine was available in the 327, ith the resulting car designated somewhat ambiguously327/28. Production, hich continued through 1940, omprised 428 Sports Cabriolets, 6 Sport Coupes and a single bare chassis.The popularity didn't end there. At the end of World War II, MW's Munich factory was in ruins, nd it's Eisenach plant was in the Eastern Zone of partitioned Germany. Postwar, MW automobile production did not resume at Munich until 1952, hen a dispute arose with the former Dixi Werke facility at Eisenach, hich had resumed production of BMW's prewar designs in Soviet occupied East Germany. A settlement was reached and thereafter, isenach's products were badged "EMW", hort for Eisenach Motorenwerk. It is thought that this car was built in 1952 at Eisenach, mong the famed 328, he popular 327 and the 327/28 Cabriolets and Coupes. It is one of the 505 BMW (and later renamed EMW) 327/2 Cabriolets built in the period 1949 to 1955 at Eisenach. Production of the 327 resumed in 1948 and continued into 1956, hile in Britain, he 1,971 cubic centimeter engine was produced by Bristol and used in the new 400 series.
This red over black two tone example was featured in the March 1987 Car Collector and Classic Car magazine in an article by its prior owner.This was title "The Car That Came in From the Cold" and it details the car's journey. The BMW/EMW has a black interior and black convertible top. It is believed that this represents the 327/2 based on the hood being hinged at the cowl to open in the traditional manner, lus the fact that the door hinges are along the front door edge instead of the rear hindged "suicide" design. There is a blend of BMW and EMW badging in which it is believed the EMW badging is original and the BMW badging may be later additions. The car is powered by a 2.0 liter inline six-cylinder Bristol 400 tri-carb engine. This is believed to be the same prewar designed engine that went into the 328 and was given to AC as part of war reparations. It was also utilized in the AC Bristol. This is paired with a floor shift 4 speed manual transmission.
The front seating is individual and the back has a small tunnel between the seats which makes it a comfortable 4 passenger vehicle. Among the other features on this rare German machine are tilt out windshield sections, clock, rtillery style wheels and a rear body section that houses the spare tire in a recess with a metal cover that adds styling detail and convenience should the spare be needed. The car benefits from long term ownership by a gentleman in dry New Mexico. Runs and drives but should be inspected and serviced before any extended drives. A restored example sold at auction in 2013 for $247,500 making this an investment opportunity.
You are welcome to come inspect the car. It is located in Scottsdale, Z. and is only 3 miles from the Barrett Jackson & Russo & Steele auctions. I can be reached at (602) 377-1197 to schedule an appointment or to ask questions. I reserve the right to cancel this auction at any time as it is advertised elsewhere. Thanks for looking.