What is the value of this rusty, unrestored 1940's era BMW 321?

[dzvero]

I can buy this car for restoration project but need some advise how much should I spend if I pull the trigger. It is very rusty, might be too much . Engine also is in very bad condition

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_321

[02Pilot]

I can't begin to guess at a value, but that's a massive restoration project. Low production volume on all those pre-war cars and limited parts availability would make it a big job if the body were totally solid. Unless you are a proficient welder with deep pockets and lots of free time, look elsewhere.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by 02Pilot

I can't begin to guess at a value, but that's a massive restoration project. Low production volume on all those pre-war cars and limited parts availability would make it a big job if the body were totally solid. Unless you are a proficient welder with deep pockets and lots of free time, look elsewhere.

Thought it was post-war😊, 1952-ish?

But yeah that would be a crazy restoration, just finding a capable metal fabricator to repair that, I imagine would be extremely difficult.

[mkoesel]

Someone needs to build this into a street rod with an S63 or maybe even an M60 race motor under the hood. A BMW street rod would be fun at a classic car show.

[floydarogers]

From a recent Roundel article, restoration is likely to be 6 figures.

[dzvero]

This one is post war. Yes I agree body is too damaged, it can even be beyond restoration. suspension, engine , transmission, differential... unknown condition. It can be just junk with few parts that can be really used .

[02Pilot]

Yes, of course it's post-war - my brain knew that, but the message was garbled in transmission to my fingers. Sorry about that.

Considering that I know of at least two recent 2002 restorations that are in excess of $100,000, I'd figure restoring this properly would start around $250,000 or so and go up from there.

I think the idea of a rat rod with a later BMW engine would be very interesting, but the rust on the chassis and bodywork make that a still-costly proposition in this case.

[Maynard]

Parts car. Very expensive parts car. Remember the old adage that there is nothing more expensive than a cheap [insert exotic marque here]. Only exception would be if you can trace VIN to some very interesting provenance, or it is actually a VERY rare edition, then I'd sell it to a restorer. If you aren't already deep into the business of these restorations there is no chance you can come out ahead financially, and without the insider knowledge, you will make mistakes in the resto that will make it worthless to collectors.

[Lance_Goodthrust]

BMW 321 built from 1938-1941 and 1945-1950

[dzvero]

Originally Posted by Maynard

Parts car. Very expensive parts car. Remember the old adage that there is nothing more expensive than a cheap [insert exotic marque here]. Only exception would be if you can trace VIN to some very interesting provenance, or it is actually a VERY rare edition, then I'd sell it to a restorer. If you aren't already deep into the business of these restorations there is no chance you can come out ahead financially, and without the insider knowledge, you will make mistakes in the resto that will make it worthless to collectors.

I wasnt thinking exactly to make it collectible car . Im not in the restoration business thats why Im asking. Im sure it will sell for cheap. Probably the right question is can it be restored.

[Spa2k]

The right, knowledgeable buyer will pay $20-30K, but only if it has all the correct numbers and all are matching. That's the only thing that matters. Then he'll spend $200K making it perfect by hand-fabricating all the necessary parts to make it Pebble Beach ready. When it's done in 3-5 years, he'll sell it at auction to the only serious bidder for $170K.

Then the restorer will do it all over again.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by dzvero

I wasnt thinking exactly to make it collectible car . Im not in the restoration business thats why Im asking. Im sure it will sell for cheap. Probably the right question is can it be restored.

Without doing any research or any real knowledge- I would guess BMW Germany has a division where you could send pics and get some advice on the possibility of restoration.

Just found this
https://www.bmwgroup-classic.com/en.html

[dzvero]

Thanks, I decided not to buy it . Its too rusty and risky.

[expidia]

I do like those vertical kidney grills though!
Shows BMW stays with something that works

[OlBloo]

That car would have been a life mistake

[dzvero]

Originally Posted by expidia

I do like those vertical kidney grills though!
Shows BMW stays with something that works

Im with you . I like the look and the car in general but this specific one is to much damaged