Here’s one you don’t see every day: a replica of BMW’s stunning (and exceedingly expensive) 328 roadster. This one was built in small batches by Sbarro, a Swiss company that turned them out in the 1970s, typically with a genuine BMW engine under the leather-strapped hood. It’s almost unfair to call this a kit car, as it’s far better than that as these were built more like a sympathetic replica than something that just loosely resembled an iconic car (I’m looking at you, VW-powered Mercedes SSK). Find the Sbarro 328 here on eBay with bids to $21,000 and no reserve.
I have a deep appreciation for replicas like these that actually put some effort into creating a convincing copy. Back in the late 80s and early 90s, there were numerous ads in the back of Car & Driver not only for Valentine 1 radar equipment but also for replica sports cars. I feel like the Porsche Speedster was the most frequent offering, and of the few examples that still pop up today, they’re still pretty convincing copies of the original. The BMW 328 is iconic in every way but it’s not the obvious choice for a replica like a Speedster is, just based on how many enthusiasts would pony up for the chance to own a copy of one.
Still, Sbarro did everything right, it seems. They had experience with other coach-building projects and actually cozied up the BMW when developing the 328. This relationship included using genuine engines from the E21-chassis 3-Series, which is what appears to be under the hood of this example. The seller reports that only 10 or so of the batch of 135 cars made (his estimate) were sent to the USA. What’s super peculiar is that Sbarro converted these cars to run on propane in the U.S., apparently having to do with meeting our stringent smog requirements in the states.
While one of the cars was converted to run on gasoline, the subject car here was left unaltered from when it left Sbarro’s factory. Other pieces of the running gear also come from the E21, including the independent rear suspension. The transmission is a Getrag, 5-speed close ratio gearbox. The seller claims that the 328 replica is a tight car owing to its two-inch tubular steel chassis, and overall solid construction. There’s no rust to speak of and while the seller lists some minor cosmetic flaws to make it “first class,” this still looks like a very nice example of a very rare replica.
Morgans were also only available in the US with propane conversions for many years, think it had something to do with propane-fueled engines being exempt from any emissions regs, yet the conversion being fairly easily reverted back to a regular gasoline carburetor if the owner were so inclined and living somewhere not subject to local emissions testing/inspection.
Great looking rig, looks to be well done also. Be curios to know what it sold for new? Nice find!
Sold for just under $50,000. The US Dollar was the reverse of today, low in exchange for Swiss francs.
https://www.rcnmag.com/garage/the-mark-of-sbarro
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1976-BMW-ROADSTER-1938-FACTORY-RE-CREATIO-15757
This one sold at Barrett Jackson Scottsdale in 2006, the description said it retailed over $50K
Thanks guys, $50K would have bought a lot of cars back then.
While at first glance these Swiss replicas look like the real thing– that is before you look at the wheels and the interior–they are not as accurate as one might think. They have a wider track, with flared wheel arches and wider wheels. They are also longer than the real thing. The engine is “genuine BMW”, but a post-war mundane four cylinder instead of the pre-war six-cylinder tri-carb motor. The steering wheel looks very out of place and non-original. In my opinion, with a little more effort, something very close to the real thing could have been accomplished, at least visually, but it would appear it wasn’t the plan.
So… it’s alot better than the original, right? I think it’s stunning as is. I really like the old style mixed with the late model accoutrements
If it performs as well as the BMW Roundie 2002 then it will be a wonderful little car.
If you think the M10 is a mundane motor, I invite you to come and drive my ’73 2002 tii sometime. Mine has been reworked a bit. But even stock, these motors were powerful, bulletproof and cheap to build and fix. With a close ratio Getrag 265 behind them, you have a rev happy rocket on your hands
Sure an 80hp prewar 6 would be more “accurate” But even in a lightweight replica like this, not powerful enough to be safe to drive and probably not very reliable.
P.S. If the stock M10 isn’t enough for the buyer, they could always squeeze in an S14. Less accurate still, but what a hoot that would be to drive!
This seems like an incredible bargain at anything under $40K. It wouldn’t cost all that much to convert it to 320i engine specification, at which point you’d have a coach-built roadster that performs about as well as an early Miata.
It would be easier to mount a couple of 45 DCOE Weber carbs, than to retro fit an E-21 engine. Or, “Don’t fix that, that isn’t broken” and preserve the value.
Don’t bother asking about where the folding top is, you’ll be sorely disappointed. Might as well mount racing windscreens instead of those giant glass sails it’s wearing.
Sbarro was my second employer. I worked on these, He also shoed in 6-cylinder BMWs in some!
When I was still racing and living in Hermosa Beach, I drove a Sbarro BMW 328, that belonged to Vasek Polak. I loved it. It was a fun car.
As Marti ST mention, those windscreens are large, but they are copies of the original ones from the road going cars, in 1937.
80s Shelby charger wheels? Not my first choice, but they don’t look that bad on this.
Nice car!. I presume it is fiberglass
For once, to get the best information click the ebay ad. The seller has owned the car a long time and gives a very full description.
Sbarro was smaller, but in a similar place to Alpina and AMG when this was built, exhibiting at major Motor Salons, so certainly no kit car. The company was famous for building outrageous show cars in the 60s and 70s, and the 328 was a serious attempt to get a bit of volume.
As in the Barn Finds write up, BMW was happy to supply new parts to Sbarro, so there was a level of trust and co-operation, if not exacly an endorsement from BMW..
It´s not a replica, but more a homage, similar to (but better resolved than) the Alfa Romeo Gran Sport Quattroruote, which was built by Zagato and sold by Alfa Romeo, using new Giulia components in a body based on Zagato´s take on the classic pre war 1750.
These are no longer $50000 cars….
Ya know, I remember a fellow in AZ. who did this body frrom scratch to fit a VW pan. Called it an baroque angel, IIRC.
I’d looked at it and started looking for a tube chassies to use instead.
I think he was looking to sell the molds, site went dark, maybe 10yrs ago.
I love these, prewar design, and un-obtainium ( over $100k) for the real thing.
I came for the mall pizza place wisecracks, and everybody has let me down!
Has anybody mentioned what the body construction is, or do we just assume that It’s fiberglass?
Yes Richad (or is it Richard?): it is quite thick fiberglass, wrapping a tubular chassis and reinforced by aluminium plates where necessary (hinges, handles, windshield posts, etc.)
Sbarro used an original 328 to fabricate the (fiberglass) molds. Interesting that that original was not straight, and the molds had to be corrected!
The body is a one-piece fiberglass molding.
Over $100,000? The pre-war 328s are going for over 700,000 Euros, now.
Just to note that Alpina is a manufacturer not a tuner. The only
BMW tuner approved to have their own badges on their cars.
The pre 80’s models had the most powerful engines like a
B7S or B7S turbo going from 330 hp. 135 ever made.
Franco Sbarro invented the hubless wheel.
Naah, didn’t invent it but applied it creatively…
Man, that seems like a deal to me. Ended:Oct 17, 2022 , 10:00PM
Winning bid:
US $27,690.00
[ 57 bids ]
I am very happy to announce that I am the new caretaker of this little guy.
I am a retired BMW mechanic and hope to restore this care to my best capabilities.
It’s on its way to my private atelier in Brittany,France.
Congrats! Keep us posted.
Well,so far I have purchased a very clean pair of 40 DCOE webers.They are off a deceased alpine renault.An intake manifold from alibaba!A very close to original 3 spoke bakelite steering wheel from a 1938 citröen 7.Going to convert the existing propane tank.Copy the original hubcaps/knockoffs.
Guages from a 2000cs,properly positioned to a revamped dash.
The car is still in the US!Leaving next week.Can’t wait😃
Have fun Michael!
Congratulations Michael! Well bought indeed.
Happy for you and happy to know this beauty is in good hands. Good luck with the resto. I wish you many happy miles with her!