The reputation of BMW as a manufacturer of sporting motorcars initially started with the annual ‘Eifel Race’ event, held at the Nürburgring.

On the 14 th of June 1936, Ernst Henne beat a field that included 1½-litre single-seat racing cars driving the prototype of what would become one of the most iconic sports cars of all time – the legendary ‘328’.

The 328 would go on to dominate the 2-litre race class and achieved outright victory in the 1940 Mille Miglia.

The fact that the initial victory of 1936 had been achieved only eight years after BMW’s establishment as an automobile manufacturer made it all the more remarkable.

To capitalise on the racing success, the company launched a new range of models that would become the foundation of its reputation as a manufacturer of highest quality cars with power and style.

The 328 flagship of the range incorporated a lightweight tubular chassis and a powerful straight-six engine with overhead valves and triple carburettors.

Alongside the 3...