Introduced in the late 1930s, the BMW 327 was conceived as a refined open-top sporting Tourer, offering style, comfort and strong performance in equal measure.

When specified with the famed 328 engine, however, the car became something rather more special.

The result was a sophisticated high-speed cabriolet with genuine sporting credentials, regarded by many as one of the finest European road cars of its day.

Power comes from BMW’s celebrated 1,971cc straight-six engine of 328 type, producing approximately 80bhp — a remarkable figure for a naturally aspirated two-litre car of the period.

With its advanced cylinder head design and free-revving character, the 328 engine became legendary both on road and track, later influencing numerous post-war competition and specialist cars.

In the lighter and more civilised 327 body, it provides an ideal blend of pace, refinement and usability.

Only 428 examples of the 327/328 were completed before production ceased in 1940, making these cars e...