The BMW 315 was a middle sized saloon car produced by BMW from 1934 to 1937. Basically a BMW 303 with a larger engine, with increases in both the bore, to 58 mm from 56 mm, and the stroke, to 94 mm from 80 mm. The 315 was manufactured alongside the 303 until the end of 303 production in 1936.
The 315 formed the basis for the high-performance BMW 315/1 roadster, of which only 242 examples were manufactured. The BMW 319 and BMW 319/1, larger-engined versions of the 315 and 315/1, were introduced in 1935.
The 315/1 and 319/1 were replaced by the BMW 328 in 1936, while the 315 and 319 were replaced by the BMW 329, a development of the 319 with styling based on the newer, larger BMW 326, in 1937. A total of 9,765 BMW 315s were built, including two-door saloon cars, touring cars, convertibles, sport convertibles, and 315/1 roadsters.
This car is a non numbers matching Roadster. The Chassis dates the car to 1934, the Engine is a 1936 Series 2 dual carb version. All of the Chassis components appear to be correct and the motor does turn freely. The spring shackles are the only modifications on the chassis- they have been shortened, although the chassis extensions at the front of the rear springs do show some slight chopping. The Bijur central lubrication system is intact with the exception of the reservoir. The Brake system is complete with the exception of the Hand brake lever. The wheels are incorrect.
The body appears to be a 328 Roadster body that has been modified, although there are no numbers anywhere on the body to verify this. The hood appears to be a 328 hood. Note the seam on the doors where extensions have been added later to give a taller straight top to the doors. The front grill shroud also appears to be an original that has been modified versus completely fabricated from scratch. The car is missing its front fenders and headlights, among many other little bits I am sure. What you see is what you get!
With only 242 315/1 Roadsters and 102 319/1 Roadsters produced, these are very rare cars. These are basically early 328's with a nearly identical chassis, just a smaller motor and earlier more jockular coachwork, as one would expect on an earlier car. Only a handful of each are known to survive, with values exceeding $200,000 in concours condition.
This exciting barn find is certainly a major project, but one of those rare projects that will reward the new owner's investment and effort. With eligibility at the most prestigious rallys and other vintage motor events, this very rare sports car is one of the most interesting finds we have represented.
