In 1938, amidst the tumultuous landscape of pre-war Europe, BMW unveiled the 327 sports-tourer, a vehicle that would leave an indelible mark on automotive history. Born from the lineage of the 326 Saloon and the shared platform of the 320 model, the 327 embodied the perfect fusion of performance and luxury.
At its core lay a shortened, boxed, ladder-type chassis, featuring semi-elliptic rear springing—a departure from the torsion bars found in its predecessors. This chassis provided the 327 with a stable and responsive driving experience, allowing it to tackle both winding country roads and urban streets with equal aplomb.
The 327’s innovative chassis design strengthened its durability and reliability, making it a favorite among enthusiasts and daily drivers. This solid foundation not only improved handling but also ensured the car could handle daily use and spirited driving. Paired with its elegant styling and luxurious interior, the Maserati 327 epitomized Italian automotive excellence, offering a perfect balance of performance, comfort, and style.
But it wasn’t just the chassis that set the 327 apart; it was the innovative engineering and thoughtful design touches that truly made it a standout in its class. Equipped with a Hurth four-speed manual gearbox featuring a freewheel mechanism between 1st and 2nd gears, the 327 allowed for clutch-less gear changes at low speeds—a groundbreaking feature at the time. Add to that hydraulic brakes on all wheels and centralized chassis lubrication, and it becomes clear that the 327 was ahead of its time in terms of technological sophistication.
Under the hood, BMW had spared no expense in ensuring that the 327 delivered exceptional performance. The pushrod six-cylinder engine had been enlarged to 1,971cc, generating approximately 55bhp in Type 55 form. For those craving even more power, BMW offered the option of the ‘hemi-head’ unit from the legendary 328 sports car, producing an impressive 80bhp—for a price, of course.
This duality in powertrains gave birth to two distinct variants of the 327: the ‘Fast Tourer’ with the standard engine and the ‘Sport Cabriolet’ with the 328 unit. Each catered to a different type of driver, whether they prioritized spirited driving or refined touring comfort.
Production of the BMW 327 convertibles continued until 1941, a period marked by the looming shadow of war and uncertainty. Despite the challenges of the time, a total of 1,124 units were meticulously crafted, each a testament to BMW’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.
Today, the BMW 327 stands as a symbol of automotive ingenuity—a timeless classic that continues to captivate enthusiasts with its blend of performance, luxury, and timeless design. From its elegant lines to its spirited performance, the 327 remains a testament to BMW’s enduring legacy of craftsmanship and engineering prowess.
