1934 BMW 315/1 Roadster

1934 BMW 315/1 Roadster
Chassis no. 47706
Engine no. 55054 (see text)
1,971cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
3 Solex Downdraft Carburetors
Approximately 80bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Desirable top-of-the-line 315/1 Roadster marking BMW's earliest competition efforts
*In current ownership for more than three decades
*Eligible for the many prestigious tours and rallies
*One of only 242 examples built

THE BMW 315

It had been the acquisition of the Dixi works at Eisenach in 1928 that provided Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW), hitherto a manufacturer of aero engines and motorcycles, with a foothold in car manufacturing. Dixi's built-under-license version of the Austin Seven was gradually developed and improved, resulting in a swing-axle suspension and overhead valves. Then, in 1933, came the first true BMW—the six-cylinder 303. The latter adopted a twin-tube frame and abandoned the rear swing axles in favor of a conventional live axle, while up front there was a superior transverse-leaf independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. These features, along with the four-bearing, overhead-valve engine, would provide the basis for the more powerful and sportingly inclined models to follow.

Introduced in 1934, the BMW 315 was a midsized Saloon car produced until 1937. The 315 was manufactured alongside the 303, until the end of production in 1936. The 315 formed the basis for the high-performance BMW 315/1 Roadster, of which only 242 examples were manufactured. The starting point for this development came at the Berlin Auto Show in May of 1934, where BMW presented a prototype of a Sports Roadster with exceptionally attractive styling. Right behind the long and sleek engine compartment were two sports seats tailored to the driver and front passenger protected by a low, raked windscreen and emergency roof. The rear of the body tapered out in an elegant sweep, adding a particular aerodynamic touch with excellent streamlining. The radiator grill on the sporting 315/1 Roadster was inclined much further to the rear than on the Saloon model, with mighty, sweeping front wheel arches extending on beneath the doors into the rear wheel arches. The 315/1 Roadster was replaced by the legendary BMW 328 Roadster in 1936. This marked the beginning of BMWs sporting heritage, followed by such greats as their 507, Z3, and Z8 Roadster. Many have seen images of these sporting and beautiful Roadsters charging up the Stelvio Pass in the period, winning races and hill climbs all over the Continent.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Although the early history of this sporting 315/1 Roadster remains vague, it is known to have made its way to the American continent after WWII. By the 1980s, the 315/1 was in the hands of Burnaby, B.C. Canada-based enthusiast, Mr. Sultan Karim. The car was purchased by the consignor from Mr. Karim in 1987. The desirable BMW 315/1 Roadster has since formed part of the consignor's exceptional collection of some the most desirable sportscars, from both the pre- and post-war era, made by some of the most exclusive manufacturers.

BMW 315/1 Roadster chassis number 47706 is bound to impress and start conversations wherever it goes, as it has been kept under the radar for many years. A close look reveals an older restoration, offering the perfect basis to refresh the car cosmetically and mechanically, and then enter into new events. The car appears to have been fitted with a BMW 319/1 engine, presumably a 2-liter unit similar to a BMW 328 Roadster. The car has seen little use in the past three decades, and a mechanical and cosmetic restoration is recommended, ensuring proper performance and safety for the next owner.

A sporty and thrilling car to drive, these desirable Roadsters are eligible for many Concours d'Elegance and classic car tours and rallies around the world. Originating from the early competition efforts of the Bayerische Motoren Werke, this sporting 315/1 Roadster is an opportunity not to be missed.