1939 Frazer Nash-BMW 328 Sports by Leacroft

1939 Frazer Nash-BMW 328 Sports by Leacroft

The BMW 328 was introduced in 1936 and 464 were produced before production stopped in 1940. This example was one of six that survived the war and was the last 328 chassis built. It was dispatched to A.F.N. (Archie Frazer-Nash) in England, the sold importers of BMWs at the time, to have a custom streamlined body fitted. This roadster featured a 4-speed transmission coupled to 120.3 cubic-inch inline 6-cylinder OHV engine developing 79 horsepower with a top speed of 93 mph. The 328 was praised for its handling and this particular car finished 6th in its class, 12th overall, at the Spa-Francorchamps race in 1949, piloted by Dickie Stoop.

This vehicle began as a BMW 328 and was one of six chassis that were imported to England by the Aldington Brothers under the name Frazer Nash in the autumn of 1939. World War II temporarily put the build plans on hold as the vehicles were impounded and stored by British Customs and Excise, not to be seen until 1946.

After the war, chassis number 85427 was acquired by former RAF Spitfire pilot 'Dickie' Stoop, a Frazer Nash Works driver. Mr. Stoop commissioned an envelope body for his new Frazer Nash-BMW from Leacroft of Egham. The body was given many aeronautical features including the aircraft-type bonnet clips and flush-capped fuel filler. The cockpit was also made an appropriate size to accommodate Stoop's stocky frame.

Upon completion, chassis number 85427 was entered in the 1949 Spa 24-Hour race held at the Circuit National at Spa-Francorchamps. Stoop and his friend, Peter Wilson, piloted the car to 6th in class and 12th overall.

In 1952, Dickie sold the 328 back to AFN Limited in exchange for a Frazer Nash Mille Miglia. From that point through 1988, its history remains a mystery. It resurfaced for sale in 1988 and subsequently purchased by the Swiss Rosso Bianco Collection. During their ownership, the car was treated to a restoration. With the sale of the Rosso Bianco Collection to the Louwman Museum in 2006, the vehicle was soon thereafter sold into its current ownership.

In 2015, it was on display at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

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