More than an old car #119: BMW 327

There has been a massive backlog of cars that I want to write about, and the ones I have covered so far are barely the tip of the iceberg in terms of the ones I have found.  Let me focus on showcasing one of the "big boys" such as this 1937 BMW 327!

The BMW 327 was first introduced in 1937 and was based off a shortened version of its predecessor, the 326. As with cars of that era, it was noted for its distinctive streamlined flowing style and the iconic BMW grille. It was initially launched as a cabriolet, although a coupe version appeared in 1938. The 327 was equipped with an innovative hydraulic braking system and an advanced suspension, contributing to its popularity as a sporty cruiser.

In the 1930s, the main plant was located at Eisenach, where bigger cars such as the 327 and motorcycles were made. Production of the 327 was halted in 1941, as motorcycles and aircraft engines were made for the war effort. This drew the attention of the Allied forces and the subsequent partial destruction of the factory. After the war, the region where the factory was located belonged to the Soviets, who did not want to return the factory to BMW. A protracted dispute arose concerning the title of the BMW brand and its assets. It was only in 1952 when it was determined that cars made in the Eisenach plant after the war would be badged as an EMW instead (with a red-and-white colouration).

The 327 was powered by a 1971 cc M78 i6 engine, although a higher-powered version was also available (known as the 327/28). As a result, it could reach a top speed of 140 km/h, which was considered impressive back then. It was 4500 mm long and weighed 1100 kg.

Production of the 327 ended in 1955 with the introduction of the BMW 503. A total of 1,965 were built, of which 1,396 were made before the war. This unit is a LHD model and is thus eligible for registration since it was made before 1940. Although I saw it a few years ago, I took this opportunity to take a better picture and appreciate its beauty. It is evident that this is only driven on special events and it looks well taken care of. Not every day can you see this on the road, and you should keep a lookout for events such like this!