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Built for BMW's experimental department, this early 328 started life in 1937 as a relatively standard Roadster. That year it was raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Tourist Trophy. In 1938, it was driven to a class victory at the Mille Miglia and was subsequently awarded a 'gold medal' in the 1939 German Alpenfahrt. After three tiring seasons of competition, the car was returned to BMW and dismantled.
With an eye on the 1940 'Mille Miglia', chassis 85032 was rebuilt and fitted with the latest developments. The engine was upgraded to produce a hefty 130 bhp and the chassis was lightened. The finishing touch was a brand new aluminium roadster body. Known as the 'Buegelfalte' or 'Trouser Crease' after the unusual creases in the fenders, the unique competition machine was the only 328 fitted by the works with a special aluminium body. All others were the work of Italian specialists Touring.
The 'Buegelfalte' 328 had only one contemporary outing when it finished sixth in the dramatically shortened Mille Miglia. The outright victory in the event around Brescia was for a sister car fitted with a coupe body built by Touring. Immediately after the War, it disappeared behind the iron curtain. The one-off BMW was used on the Russian roads by the son of the creator of the legendary MiG planes. In 1971 it was traded for a brand new Lada with a Mr. Guido Adamson of Riga, Latvia. He retained the car for three decades.
The next owner stored the 'Buegelfalte' at the BMW museum for some time. During this period a perfect replica was built for use in events by the factory. After ten years of ownership, the current owner decided to part with the veteran of two contemporary Mille Miglias. In spectacular condition, it will be offered by RM Auctions in the inaugural Sporting Classics of Monaco sale. The unique machine is valued at a staggering 5-7 million Euro. It is seen here at the 2010 Techno Classica, a month before the Monaco auction.
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328 Buegelfalte Roadster
