1938 BMW 327-328 Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

In BMW’s pre-war lineup, few cars illustrate the flexibility of a shared technical platform as clearly as the BMW 327-328 Cabriolet. Introduced in 1938, this open-top configuration combined the elegance of a touring cabriolet with the option of genuine sports-car performance. Depending on specification, it could function either as a refined long-distance car or as a far more focused driver’s machine, reflecting BMW’s growing confidence in modular engineering.

Technical Details:

The BMW 327-328 Cabriolet was based on the same chassis architecture used across BMW’s late-1930s six-cylinder range. Power came from a front-mounted inline six-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 1,971 cc. In 327 specification, the engine produced approximately 55 horsepower using a twin-carburetor setup, prioritizing smoothness and relaxed cruising. In 328 specification, the same basic engine was fitted with three carburetors and revised internals, raising output to around 80 horsepower and significantly improving performance.

Power was delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox, partially synchronized. The suspension layout was advanced for the period, featuring independent front suspension with transverse leaf springs and a rear axle supported by torsion bars. Hydraulic drum brakes were fitted on all four wheels. The combination of relatively low weight, balanced chassis, and six-cylinder refinement allowed the 328-powered versions in particular to achieve top speeds approaching 150 km/h, while maintaining stability and comfort.

• Manufacturer: BMW
• Model Name: BMW 327-328 Cabriolet
• Year of Manufacturing: 1938

Design:

The design of the BMW 327-328 Cabriolet emphasized proportion and restraint rather than dramatic styling. The long hood and set-back passenger compartment gave the car a poised stance, while smoothly integrated fenders reduced visual clutter. The BMW kidney grille appeared in a slim, vertical form, already recognizable as a brand signature but not yet dominant.

As a cabriolet, the car featured a well-tailored folding fabric roof that could be stowed without disrupting the body lines. Chrome accents were used sparingly, outlining the grille, headlamps, and window frames. The interior reflected BMW’s dual focus on sportiness and comfort. Seating was supportive, instrumentation clear and driver-oriented, and materials chosen for quality rather than ostentation. Whether specified as a 327 or 328, the cabriolet conveyed understated sophistication rather than flamboyance.

Historical Significance:

The BMW 327-328 Cabriolet emerged during a critical phase in BMW’s development as a manufacturer of sporting yet refined automobiles. The BMW 327, introduced in 1937, was intended as an elegant touring model positioned above the four-door 326. The BMW 328, launched shortly thereafter, became one of the most successful and influential German sports cars of the pre-war era.

By offering cabriolet bodies that could be paired with either engine specification, BMW demonstrated an unusually flexible product strategy. Customers could choose between comfort-oriented touring performance or near-racing-level capability without changing the basic vehicle architecture. Production numbers were limited, and civilian manufacturing was curtailed soon after by the outbreak of the Second World War. As a result, surviving examples of 327-328 Cabriolets are rare and historically significant, representing the peak of BMW’s interwar passenger-car engineering.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The most notable quirk of the BMW 327-328 Cabriolet lies in how differently individual cars can perform despite appearing nearly identical. Externally, a 327-powered cabriolet differs only subtly from a 328 version, yet the driving experience is markedly different. This has led to ongoing interest among collectors and historians in verifying original specifications.

While the model did not achieve mainstream pop-culture visibility, it has long been admired within enthusiast circles as a bridge between BMW’s luxury touring cars and its motorsport successes. Restored examples are frequently shown at concours events and marque gatherings, where their balance of elegance and performance is often highlighted as distinctly “BMW” even by modern standards.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden in 2021. This event, held annually in the spa town’s Kurpark and along the Kaiserallee, is one of Germany’s most picturesque classic car gatherings. In 2021, the 44th edition featured 300 vintage vehicles from 80 different brands, including rare models. The event embraced a 1970s theme, showcasing over 40 vehicles from that era. An innovative highlight was the “automobile fashion show,” where models presented current fashion trends while riding in open-top classic cars through the park. The event concluded with the traditional Concours d’élégance, awarding 120 prizes across 15 categories.

Conclusion:

The 1938 BMW 327-328 Cabriolet represents one of the most versatile expressions of BMW’s pre-war design and engineering philosophy. Sharing a common chassis but offering two distinct levels of performance, it combined open-top elegance with serious mechanical capability. Limited production and wartime interruption prevented it from achieving broader recognition, but in retrospect the 327-328 Cabriolet stands as a clear demonstration of BMW’s ability to unite refinement, flexibility, and sporting intent on the eve of the Second World War.