BMW 315/1 roadster
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| Engine: |
6-cylinder |
| Valve linkage: |
ohv |
| Displacement: |
1490 cc |
| Bore x stroke: |
58mm x 94mm |
| Power output: |
40 horsepower at 4300 rpm |
| Gearbox: |
4 forward, 1 reverse |
| Wheel suspension: |
Front: floating axle with cross leaf spring
Rear: rigid axle with leaf spring |
| Foot brake: |
Mechanical; drum |
| Hand brake: |
Mechanical |
| Tires: |
5.25 x 16 |
| Wheelbase: |
96 in. |
| Overall dimensions: |
156 x 57.6 x 62 in. |
| Weight: |
1650 lbs. |
| Top speed: |
72 mph |
Year of
construction: |
1935-36 |
Number of vehicles
produced: |
242 |
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With the 315/1 roadster, BMW completed the palette of 3l5 sedans and convertibles for 1936. The two-seat sports car had the same 1.5-liter 6-cylinder engine, an improved compression ratio, as well as
three Solex cross-draft carburetors (two for the 315). With this it produced an additional 6 horsepower.
Already in this form, basically nothing more than a specially prepared factory car, the BMW 315/1 created a furor at sporting events. The international Alpine Trials of 1934 ended with the team of
Brenner/ Kandt/ von Delius (the future Grand Prix driver) winning the team prize. It also took first in its class for the 2,000 km (1,200 mi.) race through Germany. The factory car corresponded to the 315/1 of 1935, but was called the
315.
Beginning in 1935, the BMW 315 advanced to become the undisputed champion car in the 1.5-liter sports car category, a position that would not be achieved again for a long time. Ralph Roese from
Dusseldorf achieved the rank of German Road Champion with no fewer than a dozen victories in 1939.
Within the space of two years, a total of 242 BMW 315/1s left the factory in Eisenach. In addition, another 102 of the 1911 cc version of parallel construction, the BMW 319/1, were built.
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