1937 Frazer Nash BMW 315/2 Sports Tourer

Our rare example is surprisingly closely related to the 315/1 that showed Aldy a clean pair of heels way back in 1934. As such it marks a watershed in the UK’s relationship with what would become the “ultimate driving machine.” This 315/2 or 315/40 is one of just 22 315 triple-carburettor sport specification chassis imported by AFN. With the engine bored and stroked to 1688cc just 15 of those 22 were thought to be in right hand drive configuration. Just six of that 15 went on to coachbuilders Whittingham & Mitchel (coachbuilders in every sense off the word – they also built bodies for passenger motor coaches) in Staines. Here, the “Staines Six” were fitted with lightweight aluminium tourer bodies. Our car is one of those six, and even possibly the last of its kind remaining.

The car was supplied by Steeles Garage to its first owner with it being registered for the first time in January 1937 by Surrey County Council. The original registration document suggests it remained in this ownership and area until at least 1959 when its trail goes cold for a few years. The previous owner acquired the car in 1966 as a non-runner. Quite a bit of useful work was undertaken in this ownership, more of which later. From around 2016 the car remained unused before featuring in the Bonhams Beaulieu Sale in September 2023. At this stage the 315/2 looked a little sorry for itself. It was missing its hubcaps, and the dashboard was fitted with a hotchpotch of old Ford gauges – the tachometer was missing altogether.

In the intervening year, these deficiencies have been addressed with the 315/2 looking a lot more comfortable within its hand crafted aluminium skin. A light mechanical recommissioning seems to have been undertaken, too, with the small capacity straight six quickly spinning into tuneful life for our accompanying video. This rare Frazer Nash BMW is now ready for a new custodian who can continue to improve this fine survivor or use and enjoy it as they find it.

This Sports Tourer bodied 315 is dominated by the oversized period features of its front profile. These include the frisbee sized, chrome bowled headlamps an a very prominent iteration of the famous “kidney grills.” The grill nestles within an aluminium “U” shape formed by the intersection of the curvaceous front wings. From the sides it is these wings that dominate, sweeping gracefully into narrow running boards.

The 315 presents in a cream livery which is thought to date from the 1950’s. Considering this, the condition seems surprisingly good and suggests at light use and diligent storage. Of course, there are paintwork imperfections but certainly less than one might expect for its vintage. The main theme seems to be cracks in the finish with some rudimentary “touch ups” in places. There are a few minor deformations to the aluminium bodywork, too, such as those on the driver’s door and offside rear wing.

The steel wheels may have received some new paint since it was last seen in 2023. Or it may just be that the Frazer Nash BMW inscribed, chrome hubcaps which are now present make the wheels look fresher and brighter overall. A set of 5.00 / 5.25 16 inch Avon Tourist radials are fitted. The sidewalls of some of these look a little weather worn so a pre-use check of their suitability may be advisable.

The cream vinyl hood appears in unripped and good condition but is a little rudimentary. Matching side screens are present and, these combined, may be enough to keep you out of trouble under an unexpected shower.

We are pleased to see a pair of period correct, ivory faced AC gauges now monitoring engine revs and road speed. The ancillary gauges are still a mix of Smiths and AC black faced items. These are unlikely to be original but the whole ensemble is a great improvement. The four spoke, banjo style Bluemel’s steering wheel is still present.

Seat, side panel and door card facings are courtesy of a light tan hued vinyl. This, like the exterior livery, is thought to hail from the late 1950’s. Regardless of the originality, the condition is actually very nice and entirely useable.

These seats fold forwards to provide access to the rear bench, which is identically trimmed and in, seemingly, fine order. The edge bound carpet mats are in a complementary tan hue and are a little threadbare like a plush soft toy that has been loved for a generation. It seems that a little extra care and attention expended in here could make a huge improvement to what is essentially a mostly complete cabin.

Compared to the earlier Frazer Nash cars and many others of the period, the BMWs were technically advanced, beautifully engineered and mechanically sophisticated. For starters the engines were in-line six-cylinder units of relatively modest capacity making them rev-hungry and yet smooth and refined. This sports variant of the 315 is fitted with a 1,688cc in-line six-cylinder unit fed by triple Solex 26mm updraught carburettors. The valve gear is a camshaft in block design with push rods, rockers, tappets and springs. With an original taxable (RAC) horsepower of 12.51 this configuration was probably good for in excess of 50bhp in factory trim.

On opening the centrally hinged, gullwing bonnet the longitudinally placed straight-six’s diminutive capacity is apparent. There is plenty of room around and access to this well specified unit. The three Solex carburettors are immediately obvious. A nice, typical BMW touch is the doglegged inlet trumpet on the first one, so as to avoid the brake master cylinder. The original Frazer Nash data plates are present and correct.

The underside seems pretty solid with any corrosion noted appearing to of a superficial, surface nature. Whilst seeming solid, this underside retains significant potential for aesthetic improvement.

There is good depth of provenance providing paperwork included with the 315. This includes the current V5 registration document. The car is categorised as an Historical Vehicle and so is considered MoT exempt and zero rated for VED in the UK. There are a number of earlier MoTs present in hard copy and the BMW last passed its government test in 2016.

There are a number of invoices included from various points in the car’s history. The most recent of these are quite extensive and date from 2016 and 2012. There are several on hand from earlier periods such as the 1960’s and 70’s. Further highlights include a copy of the original “log book” and some Frazer Nash / AFN archive information.

In 2024 it is hard to imagine the slick suited executives in BMW’s iconic cylinder shaped Munich HQ granting an import license to a man called Aldy and his company named after an eccentric engineer and inventor. However, that’s exactly what they did in the 1930’s, even allowing them to badge engineer and partly construct their prized automotive prodigy. Remarkable.

This example is a wonderous example of this remarkable collaboration. It represents a coming together of Munich’s sportiest rolling chassis with a hand crafted touring body by a company in Staines. One of just six prepared in this way, this could easily be the last of its species. Of course it’s not a concourse condition prize winner, but we are sure it could be. It’s scarcity, charm and fascinating back story combine the makings of charmed future life.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £22,000 - £27,000.

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