1939 frazer nash bmw 32780 cabriolet
Coming to auction June 2023
By: Manor Park Thu, 25 May 2023
Reviews
1939 Frazer Nash-BMW 327/80 Sport Cabriolet
Only 19 were imported with around 12 believed to have survived
This 1939 Frazer-Nash BMW 327/80 Cabriolet started out as 1 of only 19 examples when it was imported 85 years ago and there are now only 12 known to have survived.
The stunning piece of automotive artwork on offer here is indeed one of those surviving 12. AFN imported KME203 into London in July 1938. History of all the keepers are documented in the history file. This fabulous Frazer Nash-BMW was then lovingly restored in 1997 by Mark Garfitt, Cwmbran, South Wales and further restoration was completed by Mike Phillips, Magor, South Wales in 2009-2013. Attractively finished in Black over Cream, the car has real presence displaying none of the stately Teutonic pomp normally associated with pre-war German cabriolets, but echoes the elegant lines of thirties' Alfas with styling cues that suggest the work of those ‘swoopy’ Black and Cream creations beloved of the French coachbuilders. The story is continued throughout the interior. Lavish Red leather and luxurious matching pile await you as you open the door and the whole thing is capped with one of the most beautiful dashboards we have ever seen with cream-faced Art Deco-style instruments and clocks surrounded by an array of Bakelite switches and knobs echoing the beautiful wireless radios of the era. The folding soft-top appears in excellent condition and the jack etc. are neatly stashed in the tidy engine bay. One can only imagine the reactions of people when this cabriolet was first released in 1937, it still draws gasps today. It’s a design that’s very much of its time, yet an enduring one.
In 1934, a cooperation agreement was concluded with BMW, which made Middlesex-based, Frazer-Nash the general importer of these German vehicles for the British market, under the guidance of the Aldington Brothers, and at the same time allowed them to sell the cars under their own brand name as Frazer-Nash- BMW. The cars were built by BMW and supplied to Frazer-Nash already badged as Frazer-Nash, with imperial instruments, and in right-hand drive. When fitted with the 2-litre engine, they were known as Frazer-Nash BMW 327/80.
The 2-litre type 327 model is in many respects an outstanding machine designed with particular regard to motoring conditions of the day, and possessing all the well-known characteristic features of Frazer-Nash- BMW design, the specification embodies many additional points of interest.
In common with the other models in the range, it possesses a very high power to weight ratio an attribute of design that spells reliability combined with effortless high performance and is also reflected in economical running. It should be emphasised that this is not obtained by flimsiness in construction, but is a matter of scientific design. It is sometimes thought, and said, that a light car cannot in any circumstance be as stable or as well-built as a heavy car- that is pure nonsense.
Both in chassis and engine design the Frazer-Nash-BMW is a long way ahead of contemporary design, and this exceptionally favourable power-to-weight ratio has been achieved without sacrifice of strength or durability. Practical aero-engine experience has provided invaluable data, resulting in the successful employment of light alloys in engine and chassis construction. The chassis is exceptionally sturdy, and the bodies are equally solid in build. It is, therefore, more than interesting that this beautifully-built cabriolet model only weighs slightly over 20 cwt. Something like a third less than the average car of similar hp rating.
The engine of the ‘Fast Tourer’ model is more powerful than any of the other touring 2-litres in the range, because it is primarily designed for sustained high speed. Further modifications incorporated include the fitting of lead-bronze bearings and an oil radiator, an exceptional margin of safety is therefore guaranteed.
The ‘Sports’ cabriolet engine 80hp unit results in its possessing an all-around performance of a rally outstanding nature. The high gears accompanying a high power-to-weight ratio – the top gear in both cases is 3.9 to 1. The genuine cruising speeds will be 70 M.P.H and 85 M.P.H with approximate maximum speeds of 85 M.P.H and 95 M.P.H respectively.
