1940 BMW 327 Roadster – Exterior and Interior – Auto Zürich Classic Car Show 2021

Among BMW’s late pre-war models, the 327 Roadster occupies an unusual position. It was neither a pure touring car nor a dedicated competition machine, but a carefully judged compromise shaped by market expectations and technical continuity. Introduced at a moment when civilian car production was already under pressure, the 1940 BMW 327 Roadster reflects how BMW refined an existing concept rather than pursuing radical change.

Technical Details:

The BMW 327 Roadster was powered by a front-mounted inline six-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 1,971 cc. In standard configuration, the engine produced approximately 55 horsepower using a twin-carburetor setup, emphasizing smoothness and elasticity rather than high specific output. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox with partial synchromesh. The drivetrain followed BMW’s established front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.

The chassis employed independent front suspension with a transverse leaf spring, while the rear axle was supported by trailing arms and torsion bars. This suspension arrangement, shared with other BMW six-cylinder models of the period, offered a balance between comfort and handling stability. Hydraulic drum brakes were fitted on all four wheels. Performance was respectable for the class, with top speeds in the region of 125 km/h, making the 327 Roadster suitable for sustained open-road travel rather than outright sporting use.

• Manufacturer: BMW
• Model Name: BMW 327 Roadster
• Year of Manufacturing: 1940

Design:

The design of the BMW 327 Roadster emphasized proportion and surface quality over visual drama. Compared to the cabriolet versions, the roadster featured a more compact, open cockpit layout with a lower windshield and a cleaner rear deck. The long hood and rearward-set passenger compartment created a poised stance, while smoothly integrated fenders reduced visual interruption.

The BMW kidney grille appeared slim and upright, consistent with late-1930s BMW design language. Chrome trim was used sparingly, outlining functional elements rather than acting as decoration. Inside, the cockpit was driver-focused and restrained. Seating was supportive, instrumentation was clear and limited to essentials, and materials reflected BMW’s emphasis on engineering quality rather than luxury excess. With the roof stowed, the roadster conveyed a purposeful, mechanical presence distinct from more formal open cars.

Historical Significance:

The BMW 327 was introduced in 1937 as an elegant two-door model positioned between the practical BMW 326 and the more sporting BMW 328. The Roadster variant represented a less common interpretation of the 327 concept, offering open-air motoring without adopting the extreme sporting focus of the 328.

By 1940, production volumes across the German automotive industry were already being constrained by the demands of rearmament. As a result, the BMW 327 Roadster was built in very limited numbers. Its historical importance lies not in commercial success but in illustrating BMW’s attempt to maintain a civilian product range under increasingly restrictive conditions. It also demonstrates how BMW differentiated closely related models through tuning, body style, and intended use rather than through entirely new mechanical platforms.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The BMW 327 Roadster is rarely referenced in popular culture, largely due to its scarcity and brief production window. One quirk that attracts attention today is how closely it resembles other BMW open models of the period while delivering a noticeably different driving character. Compared to the BMW 328, the 327 Roadster favored smoothness and refinement over sharp responses.

Among collectors, this distinction has become part of its appeal. Surviving examples are seldom seen outside museums and major concours events, where they are often discussed as understated alternatives to BMW’s better-known sports cars. Their rarity and subtlety make them vehicles for specialists rather than casual enthusiasts.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Auto Zürich Classic Car Show in 2021. As part of the broader Auto Zürich Car Show, the Classic section has grown into a key attraction for lovers of historic vehicles in Switzerland. In 2021, the event took place at Messe Zürich and featured a dedicated hall showcasing a curated selection of vintage automobiles, spanning from pre-war icons to youngtimers. The atmosphere combined elegance with accessibility, allowing visitors to admire rare collector cars alongside enthusiast vehicles. Special displays highlighted Swiss automotive heritage and featured club presentations and dealer exhibits.

Conclusion:

The 1940 BMW 327 Roadster represents a nuanced chapter in BMW’s pre-war history. With its six-cylinder engine, advanced suspension for its time, and restrained open-body design, it offered a balanced driving experience oriented toward comfort and control. Produced in small numbers under tightening industrial constraints, it never achieved wide recognition. In hindsight, the BMW 327 Roadster stands as a reminder that BMW’s pre-war identity was shaped as much by refinement and continuity as by outright sporting ambition.