1935 BMW 319/1 Sport Roadster

Chassis No. 55008

Engine No. 55739

• Restored in 2006
• Powered by a 1.9-litre 6-cylinder engine, Three Carburetor
• One of 178 built

The design of the twin seat BMW 319 roadster, conceived by the designer Peter Szymanowski, paved the way for models which would suggest the sleek styling that the German car make would adopt over the course of the next few years. Designed to meet the gradually recovering car market in Germany following an economic slump, the roadsters BMW produced – including the BMW 319 – helped to improve the car maker’s image at home and internationally. The style of the BMW 319 model was a significant part of its appeal and was given streamlining that gave it a fast look. The back end of the car tapered out in something of an elegant sweep towards the rear of the vehicle, contributing to a particularly aerodynamic look. The radiator grille of the two-seater roadster was inclined much further than other similar models of the time.

The BMW 319 boasted a top speed of 81 miles per hour, so it certainly offered motorists more than the mere appearance of speed. Standard BMW 319s were constructed with two carburetors and had a displacement of 1,911 cc. A three-carburetor version was also made which offered increased power at 55 break horsepower.

This magnificent rare and quick 319/1 Sport Roadster- a veteran of the Carrera Panamericana, Swiss ice races, British hill climbs and a winner of the VSCC’s Stanley Cup is offered in good condition and is an ideal entrant for numerous historic rare and rally events. This car was completely restored and finished in 2006 in Biarritz Blue with a new ash frame, refurbished chassis and body panels and rebuilt mechanical components. Delivered to BMW dealer Kraft in 1935 and subsequently owned by a German count and was imported to Great Britain in the late 1970’s by TT Workshops which prepared the car for competition use. Work included fitting of a 328-type heavy-duty rear axle, a Bristol competition crankshaft and oil pump, triple rather than twin SU carburetors, stainless steel exhaust system, hydraulically operated brakes, a one-shot chassis lubrication system. This car comes with a history file that includes receipts for and photographs of restoration and assorted correspondence. There are believed to be around (30) BMW 319s that survive today, making this car an excellent addition to any prewar sports car collection. This car was imported to the U.S. in 2008 – where it has been well-maintained and ready for the next caretaker.