The 1939 BMW 328 is a revered name in the world of classic sports cars, but this particular model stands out from the crowd. The ‘Special Competition’ Roadster, offered from the prestigious Aumann Collection, carries with it an impressive history of racing and a unique backstory that will intrigue any collector or enthusiast. With its bold performance pedigree and iconic design, this roadster is not just a car—it’s a piece of automotive history.
A Fascinating Journey Across Continents
Chassis 85414 was built on 22 May 1939, and like many great classics, it has an international story to tell. Its first owner hailed from Krnov, in the former Czechoslovakia, before it found its way to Lofer, Austria. However, its journey took a dramatic turn when it was taken to the United States by a Viennese widow after World War II. It was there, in 1948, that the car landed in the hands of Edward Joseph Tobin, a former fighter pilot of the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk.
Racing Pedigree and Radical Transformation
Tobin raced the BMW 328 through the 1951 Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) season, achieving multiple class wins and competing at legendary tracks like Watkins Glen. But Tobin wasn’t satisfied with its standard form. In a quest for aerodynamic superiority, he enlisted the talents of the DiGioia brothers, who dramatically re-engineered the car.
John DiGioia crafted a new tubular steel chassis, replacing the trademark kidney grilles with sleek, handmade aluminium bodywork, while Carmen DiGioia rebuilt the engine, pushing its performance to the next level. With its upgraded 100 PS straight-six engine, Chrysler brakes, and modified suspension, this BMW 328 was now a formidable competitor on the racetrack. It made its revamped debut at Bridgehampton in 1952, followed by a notable victory at Thompson Raceway later that year.
The Legacy Continues
Once Tobin retired from racing, the car found a new owner in legendary American football coach John Madden. Eventually, in 1990, the BMW 328 ‘Special Competition’ Roadster was acquired by Dieter Aumann, who transported it back to Germany for a full restoration. The car received a new engine block, revised brakes, and an even more curvaceous rear body, further enhancing its allure.
Today, the car stands as a unique testament to post-war ingenuity and motorsport excellence. Accompanied by a rich history file, including period photographs and press clippings, it remains a highly eligible entrant for historic racing and rally events around the globe.
Key Highlights:
- Extensive race history with wins and podiums in SCCA events
- Raced at iconic venues such as Watkins Glen, Bridgehampton, and Elkhart Lake
- Unique custom bodywork by the DiGioia brothers, commissioned in 1952
- Fully restored by Bruno Kühnis Oldtimer in 1995
- Accompanied by period documents and a detailed history file
- Ready for participation in historic rallies and races worldwide
Summary of Specifications:
- Chassis No: 85414
- Engine: Straight-six, 100 PS
- Bodywork: Custom aluminium by DiGioia brothers
- Brakes: Chrysler front brakes
- Suspension: Lowered, race-tuned
- Restoration: Completed in 1995
- Notable Owners: Edward Joseph Tobin, John Madden, Dieter Aumann
Estimated Price: €380,000 – €500,000 EUR
Offered Without Reserve
Auction Date: Saturday, 23 November 2024
Location: Munich, Lot 167
This one-of-a-kind BMW 328 ‘Special Competition’ Roadster is set to turn heads at auction, offering a rare opportunity to own a true motorsport legend.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
