The BMW 328, the German automaker’s landmark sports roadster of the 1930s, will be showcased at the 20th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in 2015.
Introduced in 1936 and built through 1940, the petite 328 boasted elegant styling and agile handling, as well as inspired engineering, and it became a strong contender in international sports car racing. BMW enthusiasts today trace the brand’s sporting attributes to the 328s, which have become highly valued collector’s items.
The BMW 328 was unveiled in 1936 at the Nurburgring racetrack just before the International Eifel Race, which the new car then proceeded to win in record time.
“The 328 is the car that set BMW on its current course,” said Bill Warner, founder and chairman of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. “The poise, speed and stamina of the 328 and its descendants are the roots of BMW’s reputation and give genuine credibility to BMW’s ‘ultimate driving machine’ label.”
Among the 328 sports cars that will be shown at Amelia will be several historic competition models.
“The star of the BMW 328 class for our 20th anniversary is the unique 328 Buegelfalte (‘trouser crease,’ for the razor-edge fender styling) roadster,” Warner said. “It finished sixth in the 1940 Mille Miglia.”
The 2015 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance will be held March 13-15 on the 10th and 18th fairways of the Golf Club of Amelia Island at the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island, Florida.