BMW 319/1 Roadster

[cmcpokey]

In 1929 BMW took over the Dixi plant in Eisenbach, Germany and a year later started making its first little roadster in the form on the BMW3/15 PS Wartburg Sport. From this little sportscar evollved the powerful little 315/1 roadster in 1934 and then the even more powerful 319/1 Roadster in 1935.

The 319/1 Roadster, like the one seen here, was basically the same car as the 315/1 except for the fact that it had a more powerful motor (increased from 1.5 liter to 1.9 liter). This larger engine, along with new triple carburetors, would allow this pretty car to cruise at 80 mph with ease.

The styling was done by two personalities from Munich, Fritz Fiedler and Rudolph Schleicher, who were to leave their imprint on the marqe during its most crucial development stage. The kidney shaped grill had now been given a tilt which merged into a long bonnet. Cutaway doors and swooping mudgards were to give this low slung roadster a very racy appearance.

The 319/1 Roadster left its mark on the racetrack with many wins throughout Europe. The relatively high price of the 319/1 however led to only 102 examples manufactured during its two year production run.

This example is currently in the Blackhawk Collection, on display at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, CA.