BMW 328 Roadster 'Collector Edition' Junior Car

Coachwork by De La Chapelle Chassis no. 027

Footnotes

Founded in the early 1970s by Xavier De La Chapelle, this eponymous brand started as a manufacturer of replica Bugattis as well as building their own Roadster and Parcours models. They also built three petrol-powered Junior Cars for children: Bugatti Type 55, Ferrari P2, and BMW 328, the latter the iconic Mille Miglia sports-racer that had filled the first four places in 1938. All these cars were numbered and made entirely by hand.

In 1987, BMW France requested the production of the BMW 328 Classic Junior Car, initially for the 'Little Big Mans' event for children, which supports the famous Le Mans 24-Hour Race. Later, in 2004, BMW Munich commissioned De La Chapelle to create the 'Collector Edition' of the 328, which was even more refined than the Classic version: electric starter, real spare wheel, tail lights, handmade steering wheel with inlay, etc, all with an individually numbered production plate. Collectors value the prestigious DLC 328 for its faithfulness to the 1930s original, its fine details, and high manufacturing quality.

The 27th built, this example was commissioned in 2007 for Mr Michel Schmitt, who never used the car but left it on display as a collectors' item. In fact, this rare creation has been driven only once: to check its functionality prior to this Bonhams auction. Its technical specifications are as follows:

Length and width: 2.24m x 1.02m
Weight: 120kg
Tubular chassis with epoxy finish
Honda 140cc four-stroke engine, developing 5hp
Maximum speed: 40km/h
Automatic clutch
Electric starter with ignition key
Rack-and-pinion steering
Transmission by chain
Drum brakes
Aluminium dashboard with speedometer, ammeter, watch, klaxon
Lights and indicators
Bodywork in high-quality composite material
Paintwork: ivory
Upholstery: leather tan

Offered with sales brochure and press release (including press photographs), '027' represents a rare opportunity to own a 328 Roadster Collector Junior Car in unused and pristine condition.