1939 BMW 327 Sport Cabrio – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

By the late 1930s, BMW had begun to refine a distinct identity that balanced sporting ambition with elegance and technical restraint. The 1939 BMW 327 Sport Cabrio embodied this approach, offering strong performance, advanced engineering, and a level of visual sophistication that positioned it above ordinary touring cars. It was designed for drivers who valued pace and precision, but also expected comfort and craftsmanship.

Technical Details:

The BMW 327 Sport Cabrio was powered by a front-mounted inline six-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 1,971 cc. This unit was derived from the engine used in the BMW 326 but featured a higher compression ratio and revised tuning. In standard form, output was approximately 55 horsepower, while later versions with triple carburetors—shared with the BMW 328—reached around 80 horsepower. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox, partially synchronized, enabling smoother gear changes than earlier BMW transmissions. The chassis employed independent front suspension with transverse leaf springs and a rear axle with torsion bar suspension, contributing to improved ride comfort and handling stability. Hydraulic drum brakes were fitted on all four wheels, underscoring BMW’s emphasis on controlled, confident driving rather than raw speed.

• Manufacturer: BMW
• Model Name: BMW 327 Sport Cabrio
• Year of Manufacturing: 1939

Design:

The design of the BMW 327 Sport Cabrio reflected a move toward flowing, aerodynamic forms while maintaining a dignified presence. Its proportions were long and low for the period, with a gently sloping hood and smoothly integrated fenders. The distinctive BMW kidney grille, already becoming a brand signature, was slimmer and more elegant than on earlier models, reinforcing the car’s refined character. Chrome detailing was used sparingly, adding definition without visual excess.

As a cabriolet, the 327 Sport Cabrio featured a well-finished folding fabric roof that could be stowed cleanly, preserving the car’s lines when open. The interior combined sportiness with comfort, offering supportive seating, clear instrumentation, and high-quality materials. Wood trim and carefully finished metal elements reflected BMW’s ambition to appeal to customers seeking both performance and luxury. The overall design avoided flamboyance, relying instead on balance, proportion, and mechanical honesty.

Historical Significance:

The BMW 327 was introduced in 1937 as part of BMW’s effort to expand beyond small sports cars into the upper-middle-class segment. It complemented the four-door BMW 326 and the more competition-focused BMW 328, occupying a space that emphasized elegance and versatility. The Sport Cabrio variant represented the most desirable expression of this concept, combining open-top motoring with serious engineering.

Production of the BMW 327 remained limited, and civilian car manufacturing effectively ceased with the outbreak of the Second World War. As a result, surviving examples of the 327 Sport Cabrio are rare. The model is historically significant for helping define BMW’s pre-war image as a manufacturer capable of blending performance, refinement, and modern engineering—a philosophy that would re-emerge strongly in the post-war era.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The BMW 327 Sport Cabrio never achieved widespread recognition in popular culture, largely due to its limited production and the interruption of war. However, it holds a special place among collectors and historians as a bridge between BMW’s elegant touring cars and its motorsport successes with the BMW 328. A notable quirk is the existence of different engine specifications within the same model line, which can make individual cars vary significantly in performance.

Today, restored 327 Sport Cabrios are most often seen at high-level concours events and marque-specific gatherings. Their understated appearance often surprises observers who expect more aggressive styling from a sporting BMW, reinforcing the idea that pre-war BMW performance was expressed through engineering balance rather than visual drama.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Retro Classics Stuttgart in 2022. This car show is one of the major events on the classic car calendar in Germany. In 2022, it took place across five exhibition halls. Visitors can enjoy special showcases, hunt for rare parts and books, and buy cars—both private sellers and dealers offer a wide range of classic and youngtimer vehicles. In 2022, there was a noticeable increase in low-mileage youngtimers and classic cars.

Conclusion:

The 1939 BMW 327 Sport Cabrio represents a mature expression of BMW’s pre-war automotive philosophy. With its smooth inline six-cylinder engine, advanced suspension, and carefully restrained design, it offered a refined yet engaging driving experience. Positioned between the practical BMW 326 and the competition-oriented BMW 328, the 327 Sport Cabrio demonstrated BMW’s ability to merge sportiness with elegance. Today, it stands as a rare and historically important example of how the brand defined its identity just before the Second World War brought civilian automobile production to a halt.