The ex-Denis Flather
1937 Frazer Nash-BMW 328 Roadster
Chassis no. 85114
Engine no. 85114

BMW's emergence as a manufacturer of fine sporting motor cars can be traced back to the annual Eifelrennen event held at the Nürburgring on 14th June 1936, when Ernst Henne beat a field that included 1½-litre monoposto racing cars driving the prototype of what would become one of the most iconic sports cars of all time – the legendary '328'. The fact that this overwhelming victory had been achieved only eight years after BMW's establishment as an automobile manufacturer is all the more remarkable.

It had been the acquisition of the Dixi works at Eisenach in 1928 that provided BMW, hitherto a manufacturer of aero engines and motorcycles, with a foothold in car manufacturing. Dixi's built-under-license version of the Austin Seven was gradually developed and improved, ending up with swing-axle suspension and overhead valves, and then in 1933 came the first true BMW - the six-cylinder 303. The latter adopted a twin-tube frame and abandoned the rear swing axles in favour of a conventional live axle, while up front there was a superior transverse-leaf IFS and rack-and-pinion steering. These features, along with the four-bearing, overhead-valve engine, would provide the basis for the more powerful and sportingly inclined models to follow.

Lacking the resources of larger and longer established rivals, BMW adopted an evolutionary, 'mix and match' approach to model development. Thus the 328 employed the tubular chassis, transverse-leaf independent front suspension and live rear axle of the 319; the cylinder block and hydraulic brakes of the 326; and a body incorporating stylistic elements of the 319/1 Sport and 329. With the 328, BMW's Chief Engineer Fritz Fiedler turned accepted chassis design on its head, coming up with a frame that combined lightness and stiffness in equal measure - virtues that permitted the use of relatively soft springing with all its attendant advantages. In short: the 328 was the first truly modern sports car.

The 328's six-cylinder engine featured an ingenious new cylinder head, designed by Rudolf Schleicher, which incorporated hemispherical combustion chambers and inclined valves without recourse to overhead, or twin camshafts. Instead, the 1,971cc Type 326 engine's block-mounted single camshaft and pushrod valve actuation were retained, thus avoiding an expensive redesign. Two rocker shafts were employed, one situated above each bank of valves, giving the engine an external appearance almost indistinguishable from that of a twin-overhead-cam design. Down-draught inlet ports contributed to the motor's deep breathing, and its tune-ability made it a popular choice for British racing car constructors, most notably Cooper, during the 1950s. The 328 engine produced 80bhp, an exemplary output for a normally aspirated 2.0-litre unit at that time, with more available in race trim.

The two door-less 328 prototypes and the first batch of cars were lightweight racers with aluminium coachwork intended to establish the model's competition credentials before production proper got under way. Available from the late summer of 1936, the production 328s featured doors and a convertible hood, and were well equipped and very comfortable in the manner of the best Grandes Routières. On the racetrack the 328 reigned supreme, winning its class at the Mille Miglia, Le Mans, Spa 24 Hours and Britain's Tourist Trophy.
In late 1934, AFN Ltd had concluded an agreement with BMW for the importation of their cars into the UK where they were sold as Frazer Nash-BMWs, some with coachwork by British firms and others with German-made bodies. In 1938 a production Frazer Nash-BMW 328 completed more than 100 miles in the hour at Brooklands, and in 1940 a 328 fitted with special aerodynamic bodywork won the Mille Miglia outright.

The most advanced sports car of its day, the 328 remained competitive for years after the war, a state of affairs that only served to further enhance its reputation, which was out of all proportion to the limited number produced. Indeed, in 1999 the BMW 328 was voted 'Car of the Century' by a worldwide panel of automotive journalists. Between 1936 and 1939 only 426 BMW 328s were made, of which it is believed fewer than 200 exist today. Of those, only 48 were imported into the UK by AFN and sold in right-hand drive form as Frazer Nash-BMWs.
Manufactured on 20th October 1937, this wonderful BMW 328 was first owned by gentleman racing driver Denis Flather, a wealthy Sheffield steel merchant, who raced the car extensively, achieving an enviable reputation. Denis Flather's father, David, had been a founder member of the Sheffield Motor Club back in 1903. Hence Denis grew up with motor vehicles and competitive motor sport. After WW2 he founded the BTDA, later the British Trials and Rally Drivers' Association, which organised and ran various forms of amateur motor sport. He was their President for many years. Denis also built and raced 500cc Formula 3 racing cars: 'The Flather Specials'. He was Chairman of BRM during its early days, and for many years was an active member of the RAC Competitions Committee. On his retirement in 1974, after the family steel company had been sold, he was straight back into the thick of it as one of the triumvirate, together with Peter Sprague and George Minden, which in 1975 bought the remains of Aston Martin from the Receiver.

In 1949 Flather sold the BMW, which passed quickly through the hands of three further owners before being acquired by Litherland Motors of Liverpool. Litherland's Gilly Tyrer then sold the car to one to G Roberts and finally to the current vendor on 22nd January 1950.

Over the years, 'GML 185' (known as Zoë) has been toured abroad, competed in Speed Hill Climbs, taken part many times in the Motor Cycling Club's three historic classic reliability trials (The Land's End Trial, Exeter Trial, and Edinburgh Trial) and many events run by local motor clubs in the South West of England photographs on file). There are some 14 plaques, cups and badges have been collected over the years. In 1950, the BMW was driven to both the Le Mans 24-Hour Race and the French Grand Prix at Reims. Thereafter Zoë was used to travel between Boscombe Down and Falmouth while the owner was completing his National Service. From 1952 to 1970 the BMW was driven daily to and from work within the UK and used as an everyday car. During this period (in 1954) it was re-sprayed Peacock Blue and given a new hood.

Many years later, having been off the road for some considerable time, the 328 was sent for what would turn out to be a no-expense-spared total restoration to renowned specialists Thornley Kelham Ltd of South Cerney, Gloucestershire. Throughout the rebuild the vendor had the benefit of the guidance of Mr John Giles (founder and past director of TT Workshops and probably the most knowledgeable Englishman when it comes to historic BMWs) to ensure that the car conformed to factory specification as closely as possible.

Completed in 2017 after more than two years painstaking work, the restoration was described in detail by Nigel Boothman in a lengthy article for Classic Car magazine (August 2017 edition), a copy of which is on file (perusal recommended). Thornley Kelham's comprehensive photographic album and costings of the rebuild is available also.

After completion, 'GML 185' won the 'Best in Show' award, presented by Octane magazine, at the 2017 London Concours held at the Honourable Artillery Company's headquarters, and was on display in the Royal Automobile Club Rotunda for a week (see photographs on file). The BMW has been kept in secure air-conditioned premises ever since and has not been driven so will require running in. Notable features include the following:

New cylinder block made by Crosthwaite & Gardiner from BMW-held pattern/mould New crankshaft and damper
New con-rods (Thin Wall bearings)
New pistons (compression ratio increased to 8.5:1)
New camshaft bearings
Enlarged Bristol oil pump, filter, and oil cooler,
Bosch distributor
New fuel pump
Rebuilt carburettors
New air filters
Hurth gearbox (from contemporary BMW 320, this 'box is more robust than the original ZF)
New bearings, seals and synchro cones throughout
Electrics converted to 12-volt
New wiring loom
Direction indicators
Radiator re-cored
Suspension arms and kingpins crack-tested
Reconditioned Bristol cylinder head (new valves, guides, springs, rocker shafts, etc)
Six-branch exhaust manifold
New under-trays (three)
New bonnet strut arrangement

During the current ownership, 'GML 85' has covered over 70,000 miles, the owner remarking on how the "quick responsive engine, precise steering, comfortable ride and balance create a feeling, of being 'as one' with the vehicle". The vendor has kept a detailed service log throughout his ownership and there is a vast quantity of further literature, manufacturers instructions, irreplaceable maker's catalogues, magazines, road test reports, etc and a substantial quantity of pre-restoration valuable spare parts to go with the car including the original engine (detailed list available). Justifiably described by the vendor as in '100% immaculate' condition throughout, this much loved, extensively campaigned, and expertly restored Frazer Nash-BMW is worthy of the closest inspection.

Generally regarded as one of the very few pre-war models that drives like a post-war car, the BMW 328 is eligible for all the most important historic events including the Mille Miglia, Nürburgring Oldtimer GP, and Le Mans Historic.