1939 BMW 327-28 Coupé

In the pulsating automotive orchestra of the 1930s, BMW took centre stage with its stellar six-cylinder lineup, and the maestro of elegance was none other than the BMW 327. Launched in 1937, this medium-sized touring coupé proved to be a standout, setting new benchmarks in terms of style and performance. But, let’s dive a bit deeper into the soul-stirring symphony of the 327/28, a variant that still echoes in the hearts of enthusiasts.

Picture this: a streamlined, shorter, and lower version of the sedan, with the iconic BMW grill proudly adorning the front. The 327/28 was a masterpiece, rolling on a shortened BMW 326 chassis, exuding an air of sophistication that defined the more progressive designs of the 1930s. In 1938, the coupé version joined the cabriolet, solidifying the 327’s status as a symbol of automotive finesse.

Under the hood, the 327/28 revealed its warrior spirit. Fueled by a triple-carbureted 1,971 cc straight-six engine, this beast churned out 80 horsepower, a considerable feat in its time. The mechanical prowess of hydraulic brake control, gearbox, clutch, and front suspension system mirrored its predecessor, the BMW 326. With a top speed of 125 km/h (78 mph), the 327/28 wasn’t just a looker; it was a performer on the open road.

In the shadow of its more assertive sibling, the BMW 328, the 327 may seem overshadowed to some. But let’s not forget, in its heyday, the 327 outsold the 328, proving that elegance often triumphs. A total of 1,396 base-engined versions graced the roads between 1937 and 1941, with further production echoing into the post-war era.

The narrative took an intriguing turn post-1945. Eisenach, once the hub of BMW’s automobile manufacturing, found itself under Soviet occupation. Yet, the resilient 327 refused to fade away. A new player, Awtowelo, stepped onto the stage, resurrecting the 327 using partially completed cars and stockpiled parts. Around 150 post-war BMW 327s rolled off the assembly line before the factory transformed into EMW.

A dispute over brand identity ensued, leading to the 327s being badged as EMW instead of BMW. The blue and white emblem of Bavaria gave way to the red and white insignia from Thuringia. The production figures might be a bit elusive, but the 505 units wearing either badge stand as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the 327.

As time marched forward, the 327 underwent a subtle metamorphosis. The EMW 327s and some post-war BMW 327s flaunted a modified bonnet line, a departure from the original design. The East Germans added their own touch, a distinctive crease around the wheel wells, leaving an indelible mark on the car’s evolving aesthetics.

The BMW 327/28 Coupé, with its triumphant pre-war performances and post-war adaptability, remains not just a classic car but a living testament to the resilience and evolution of automotive history. In every rev of its engine, one can still hear the echoes of a bygone era, where elegance met raw power on the open road.

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