1938 328 Roadster Junior Children’s Car
169cc OHV four stroke, 6 1/2 hp
Unknown
White
Lance White
Cincinnati, Ohio
During the GENESIS exhibition, this was on display next to Dirk de Groen’s real 328 Roadster. This is a child’s gas powered pedal car on loan for the GENESIS exhibit. A 1938 BMW 328 roadster, white with red interior, chain final-drive transmission, and hydraulic disk brakes. Length: 88.6 inches. We don’t know when this was built. This Junior 328 is a very faithful miniature recreation of BMW’s beautiful roadster. Like every other De La Chapelle Junior built since 1979, it was made entirely to special-order by its original owner, satisfying any custom request for color, upholstery, or optional equipment. The level of intricacy found on the car is remarkable, from the four-stroke engines with throttle and breaking to the headlights and upholstered interior. De La Chapelle is an independent manufacturer of French motor cars. The company was founded in the 1970s by a family descendant and former Venturi director who started by building Bugatti recreations. In addition to a variety of BMW, Peugeot, and Mercedes powered replicas, roadsters, and prototypes, the company also makes a variety of gasoline powered “Junior” children’s cars. These pint-sized cars have been so successful that the BMW factory itself has twice requested a limited series of 328s.