Introduced in 1934, the 319 boasted an engine enlarged to 1,911cc that developed either 45bhp on twin carburettors or 55bhp in triple-carb form, roadsters equipped with the latter being good for over 80mph. In late 1934, AFN Ltd 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.
This particular car is a matching numbers Frazer Nash-BMW that started life as a 319/2 convertible and has been re-bodied in an aesthetically pleasing way in keeping with the BMWs of the 1930s. Documentation from BMW states that the car was delivered to the Falcon Works in Isleworth, home to Frazer Nash, on the 3rd July 1935. It was registered on the 30th March 1940 and retains its original registration mark. Partly restored in the mid-1990s by a previous owner, the 319 was purchased, minus body, by the previous owner who has fully restored it utilising the expertise of pre-war BMW specialist, Steve White at Lodge Motor Engineering in Leicestershire and Ashbridge Automobiles of Leighton Buzzard.
The car retains all its original running gear including chassis, engine, gearbox, brakes, axles, etc. Also incorporated are the original fuel tank, lights and speedometer, while all the instruments have been rebuilt or are faithful replicas of the originals. The engine, which breathes via triple SU carburettors, has been rebuilt and converted to shell bearings using Bristol connecting rods, while further upgrades include a Bristol high capacity oil pump and remote oil filter. In addition, the gearbox, steering rack, suspension, dynamo and starter motor have been overhauled; the electrics fully rewired; and the chassis repaired in places and repainted. The wheels have been sandblasted, powder coated and fitted with brand new Blockley five-block 16” tyres suitable for road or competition use.
Made by Jonathan Rose, the body is loosely based on that of the BMW 328 sports car of the period and is constructed on the original chassis – without alteration – using a robust tubular framework and aluminium panels. Lightweight and strong, this coachwork has endowed the car with an extremely good power-to-weight ratio. A very well known car in VSCC and Frazer Nash-BMW circles, ‘LMF 37’ has recently competed at VSCC Prescott as well as in various trials and driving tests, including the Brooklands New Year Tests.
The Interior finished in Black leather and is very comfortable and spacious. All the dials and instruments work and there is nothing that needs addressing at this time. The exterior is finished in light Blue and the condition of the car is very good but not concours, there are a couple of little blemishes in the paint but generally it is good. The wheels and tyres are all in good order and present extremely well.
Mechanically the engine is very strong however on recent test the clutch was beginning to slip and will need attention.
In summary this classic pre-war Frazer Nash-BMW represents a wonderful opportunity to own a car suitable and eligible for all manner of competition, rallies and tours with pre-war BMW prices rising all the time this could be the last opportunity to obtain a car at this price level.
