In 1933, BMW decided to build a mid-sized saloon, named the “303”.

Powered by a 1.2-litre engine—BMW’s first six-cylinder powerplant—the 303 could reach speeds of 90 km/h and had excellent handling capabilities.

Later, BMW engineers increased the displacement to 1.5-litres, and in April 1934 the Munich firm launched the 315.

The 315 was capable of breaking the 100 km/h barrier and helped BMW to build its reputation as a maker of exclusive, well-built performance cars.

By the end of production in 1937 nearly 10,000 315s had been sold in varying body styles.

The rarest derivative was the 315/1 Roadster.

First shown to the public as a prototype, popular demand led management to commission a small production run.

315/1s had the same 1.5-litre straight-six engine as the standard 315, but were equipped with three side-draft carburettors.

They featured independent front suspension, a live rear axle with semi-elliptical springs, and hydraulic shock absorbers.

Just 230 315/1 Roadsters ...