A one-of-a-kind BMW 328 with an equally unique backstory

Sometimes, what makes a car desirable is less about its rarity or the badge on the hood, and more about its backstory.

Built in May 1939, this BMW 328 spent its first years in the city of Krnov, Czechoslovakia, (now modern-day Czechia) before moving to Lofer, Austria, where it was acquired by a Viennese widow.

That widow later emigrated to the United States, taking the 328 with her. Then, in 1948, the BMW would be sold to an Edward Joseph Tobin, who is noted to have flown a P-40 Warhawk in the Second World War.

Although Tobin collected several SCCA class wins throughout the early 1950s, he wanted the 328 to be even more competitive. So, he sold the car’s body and commissioned the design of a more aerodynamic one.

In addition to a handmade aluminum body–constructed without BMW’s iconic kidney grills–fitted over a custom tubular steel chassis, the designers modified or reworked just about every component of the car. (It's believed "only the wheels and motor casing were left untouched," per the seller.)

The engine was rebuilt and upgraded, making it capable of putting out nearly 100 horsepower. A lowered suspension was also fitted, as were front brakes from a Chrysler.

In May of 1952, Tobin debuted the reworked BMW. Three months later, he would win the SCCA European Road Races event at Thompson Raceway.

After Tobin retired from racing–and a brief ownership by famed American Football coach John Madden–the 328 was brought back to Germany in 1990 and fitted with a new engine block, front brakes and revised rear bodywork.

Likely eligible for any number of historic racing or road rally events, the BMW 328 is accompanied by an extensive history file that contains several newspaper clippings and archival photography.

Find this 1939 BMW 328 “Special Competition” Roadster for auction at RM Sotheby’s with an estimated value of $405,000-$550,000.

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A one-of-a-kind BMW 328 with an equally unique backstory details

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