The 327 cabriolet was introduced in November 1937 and was joined by a coupe counterpart in October 1938. Both variants rode on the shortened 326 box-frame platform utilized by the contemporary 320 but with cowl placement further rearward to create a longer hood profile. The 327 model was manufactured in standard touring form through 1941, while a higher-powered version equipped with the 328’s powerplant was available until 1940.
This example’s Autenrieth cabriolet coachwork was stripped to bare metal…
The 327 cabriolet was introduced in November 1937 and was joined by a coupe counterpart in October 1938. Both variants rode on the shortened 326 box-frame platform utilized by the contemporary 320 but with cowl placement further rearward to create a longer hood profile. The 327 model was manufactured in standard touring form through 1941, while a higher-powered version equipped with the 328’s powerplant was available until 1940.
This example’s Autenrieth cabriolet coachwork was stripped to bare metal during the early-1990s refurbishment before being painted in a custom two-tone yellow color scheme. Imperfections shown up close in the photo gallery below include crazing in an area below the fuel filler cap and a crack in the finish at the right-rear edge of the hood. Features include split front and rear bumpers, rear wheel fairings, vent panels along each side of the hood, a split windshield, trafficators, side mirrors, and a tan convertible top.
Body-color wheels wear bright hubcaps and are wrapped in 5.50R16 Michelin X tires, while a spare recessed into the rear of the car is housed under a locking metal cover. Stopping is handled by hydraulic drum brakes at each corner.
The cabin is trimmed in tan leather over four-place seating with matching upholstery over the door panels. Additional features include tan carpeting, wood door caps, roll-up windows, front and rear door handles, black lap belts, and a lockable glovebox.
The ivory-color steering wheel sits ahead of a 150-km/h speedometer flanked by gauges monitoring oil pressure, oil temperature, fuel level, and coolant temperature. The five-digit odometer shows 63k kilometers (~39k miles), approximately 300 of which have been added under current ownership.
The 1,971cc M78 overhead-valve inline-six features twin Solex carburetors, which were added in place of the original updraft setup. Output for the standard 327 variants was factory rated at 55 horsepower. Service three months ago is said to have included adjustment of the carburetors, an oil change, and replacement of the starter and the valve cover gasket. The electrical system has been converted to operate on 12 volts.
Chassis number 73330 is shown stamped on the block above and can be seen stamped on the frame and chassis tag in the gallery below. The final “3” in the chassis number stamped on the chassis plate is inverted.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Independent front suspension incorporates a transverse leaf spring, while the solid rear axle is sprung by semi-elliptical leaves.