BMW 328s -- Then, and More Recently

BMW built 328-series sports cars and successful racing cars in the late 1930s, as this Wikipedia entry mentions.  I wrote about some of those cars along with more recent concept versions here.

The original 328 was simply a model sequence number.  In the mid-1970s BMW initiated its 3, 5 and 7 Series numbers (more were added later).  The 3 Series included the number 328i starting in model year 1995, based on its six-cylinder motor's displacement.  328i's were produced from 1995 to 2000 and from 2007 to 2015.

This post presents a few 1930s examples along with some of the later cars.  Nothing profound here ... I simply thought it would be an interesting juxtaposition.

Gallery

1936 BMW 328 Roadster, Car Magazine image
An early 328.  No bumpers, tall windshield and leather hood straps.

1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia "Büegelfalte" - RM Sothebey's auction image
I wonder if Bill Lyons might have used this as partial inspiration for his Jaguar XK120 design.

1948 Jaguar XK120 - factory photo
Hmm.  Maybe so.

1939 BMW 328 Cabriolet by Wendler - auction photo
More leather hood straps -- but also a typical bulky German convertible top.

1940 BMW 328 Roadster - auction photo
The front fenders are shaped to as to expose the doors rather than overlapping them.

1995 BMW 328i Cabrio M - for sale
Now for images of more recent 328s.

1996 BMW 328i sedan - factory image
Most 328i's were sedans, while coupés and convertibles were also offered.

c.1999 BMW 328Ci coupe - factory photo
A 4th generation (E46) coupé.

2013 BMW 328i E93 Convertible (5th generation)
One of the last.  It has an inline-six motor and a fine, classic BMW grille and frontal design.  A true "Ultimate Driving Machine" (I know because I drive this car often).

2012 BMW 328i sedan (6th generation) - factory image
During 2013 BMW renamed 328i coupés and convertibles as its 4 Series.  328i sedans were continued through the 2015 model year.