1935 Frazer Nash-BMW 319 Cabriolet

Coachwork by Reutter Registration no. CMT 329 Chassis no. 54271 Engine no. 54271

Footnotes

The first true BMW motor car - the six-cylinder 303 – was introduced in 1933. The 303 adopted a twin-tube frame and a conventional live axle, while up front there was a superior transverse-leaf IFS and rack-and-pinion steering. These features, along with the four-bearing, overhead-valve engine, would provide the basis for the more powerful and sportingly inclined models to follow. Introduced in 1934, the 319 boasted an engine enlarged to 1,911cc that developed either 45bhp on twin carburettors or 55bhp in triple-carb form, roadsters equipped with the latter being good for over 80mph. In late 1934, AFN Ltd concluded an agreement with BMW for the importation of their cars into the UK where they were sold as Frazer Nash-BMWs, some with coachwork by British firms and others with German-made bodies.

This particular car was first registered on 12th August 1935. In the late 1940s the car was delivered by train from AFN Ltd to Cornwall where it was used as the family's daily driver until 1960. On 7th November 1951, 'CMT 329' had been driven to the inaugural meeting of the BMW Car Club at the Prince's Head in London SW1.

Re-sprayed in 1961, the car has benefited from various upgrades including conversion to hydraulic brakes; André Telecontrol shock absorbers fitted to the rear axle; and a new hood. The car has been used daily by the present owner, including competing successfully in the MCC Classic Reliability Trials (Exeter and Land's End) in 1960/1961 (photographs on file). It was last on road in 1976.

In 1959 the engine bearings were re-metalled and the engine completely overhauled in 1996, whereupon it ran well on re-assembly. Originally supplied with wire wheels, the car is on disc wheels at present. The original spoked wheels and knave plates are included in the sale together with seat belts; ignition key and original cigarette lighter; tax disc holder and door key; radiator cap spanner; and a starting handle. An old-style continuation logbook and current V5C are present, and the car also comes with a selection of in-period road tests; the owner's hand-written service logbook (1953-2020); owner's data sheet; and assorted technical and maintenance literature. The vendor advises us that the car will require a bare-metal re-spray, re-chrome, refurbishment, etc where necessary before returning to the road. Sold strictly as viewed, this classic pre-war Frazer Nash-BMW represents a wonderful opportunity to own a car suitable and eligible for all manner of competitions.