BMW 319 Classic Cars for Sale

First introduced to the market in 1935, the BMW 319 differed from its sister model, the 315, mainly due to the fact that it had a larger engine which boasted a bore of 2.6 inches and a stroke of 3.8 inches, resulting in more power, at 45 break horsepower.

The Design of the BMW 319

Conceived by the designer Peter Szymanowski, the twin seater BMW 319 roadster paved the way for models which would suggest the sleek styling that the German car make would adopt over the course of the next few years. Designed to meet the gradually recovering car market in Germany following an economic slump, the roadsters BMW produced - including the BMW 319 - helped to improve the car maker's image at home and internationally. With appealing bodywork features that were seen by many as striking in its day, the BMW 319 was given streamlining that gave it a fast look. Indeed, the BMW 319 boasted a top speed of 81 miles per hour, so it certainly offered motorists more than the mere appearance of speed. Standard BMW 319s were constructed with two carburettors and had a displacement of 1,911 cc. However, when it was first presented at the 1935 Berlin Motor Show, the BMW 319 had a 1490 cc engine. A three carburettor version was also made which offered increased power at 55 break horsepower. The curb weight of the BMW 319 was 850 kilos.

Right Hand Drive Versions of the BMW 319

In the latter half of 1934, AFN Ltd signed an agreement with the German car maker which enabled it to import their cars into the United Kingdom. Under this arrangement, the BMW 319, along with other models, was marketed as a Frazer Nash BMW. Some of these cars had coachwork made by British firms and others were sold with fully German bodies. Frazer Nash BMWs were used extensively for sports purposes and were involved in many races in right hand drive versions. However, some of the BMW 319s that were sold in the UK remained in their original left hand drive configuration.

The Style of the BMW 319

As mentioned, the style of the BMW 319 model was a significant part of its appeal. The back end of the car tapered out in something of an elegant sweep towards the rear of the vehicle, contributing to a particularly aerodynamic look. The radiator grille of the two-seater roadster was inclined much further than other similar models of the time. Furthermore, the car's sweeping front wheel arches extended beneath the model's doors to meet the rear wheel arches. To keep air drag to a minimum, the BMW 319 had rear wheels that were covered by its stylish bodywork.