Bonhams Europe returns to the BMW Museum, Munich, hoping to repeat its all-lots-sold 2010 auction at the same venue. This year, it’s a combination of automobilia, motorcycles and motor cars, with an interesting mix of the rare and esoteric road and racing cars. One of the most interesting lots at Bonhams’ Power by BMW sale, on October 1st will be 1937 Frazer-Nash BMW 328 Roadster from the ex Gilbert Gillie Tyrer private collection.
The most advanced sports car of its day, the 328 remained competitive for years after the war, a state of affairs that only served to further enhance its reputation, which was out of all proportion to the limited number produced. Between 1936 and 1939 only 426 BMW 328s were made, of which fewer than 200 are believed to exist today. Its 2.0 liter 6 cylinder engine had a displacement capacity of 80BHP. Also, the notable elements of the car included the tubular design of the chassis, transverse leaf front wheel suspension, over-head valve of the engine, cylinder block and hydraulic brakes.
This particular car in question has gone through the hands of multiple owners from time to time, as well as some re-dos on its components. The line of owners includes the likes of TW Meikle, Perthshire County Council, CG Buisk, Gilbert Tyrer, H. Merryweather, Nigel Stoyel and Anthony Harper to name a few. After proving its mettle over and over under harsh environmental conditions, the car underwent some repair work after which it was back to what it was during its glory days.
Executives from Bonhams auction expect it to fetch around $800,000. [Bonhams]