1937 BMW 328 Up For Auction

If you’re into classic cars, you should know everything about BMW’s 328 coupe. The model was built before World War II and is highly appreciated for both its beauty and rarity. Fewer than 500 were made, so the fact that one is up for auction should draw some attention from collectors all over the world. The 328 will be auctioned at RM's inaugural Sporting Classics of Monaco sale on 1st May, 2010 at the Grimaldi Forum.

"Our Monaco sale will feature some truly outstanding historic cars, but the totally unique nature of this BMW and its fascinating history make it an exceptional opportunity for any collector of significant motor cars", says Max Girardo, managing director of RM Europe.

The German car was built specifically to race in the 1940 Mille Miglia. In 1945 the car was part of the reparation payments and was given to the UDSSR. This particular BMW 328 was owned by Artiom Ivanovich Mikoyan, head of the Mikoyan i Gurevich Design Bureau, the creator of Russian MiG warplanes. After using the car for a while, his son traded it for a brand new Lada in 1972.

According to RM auctions, “chassis 85032 was manufactured in May 1937 as a standard-bodied car for Rudolf Schleicher´s Experimental Department at BMW. The car participated in the 1937 Le Mans with the well-known British driver of the period, A.F.P. Fane, as well as the 1937 Tourist Trophy in the hands of H.G. Dobbs. The following year it participated in the 1938 Mille Miglia and won a notable victory in the 2.0-litre class, again with Fane driving and William James as co-driver.”