Ultra-Rare BMW 328i Baur Topcabriolet Resurfaces — The Convertible Sedan You Forgot Existed

These of us in America could also be accustomed to the 318ti and its distinctive “California high.” Smack dab between a convertible gentle high and conventional roof, the California Version 318ti supplied a canvas high that stretched over each the entrance and rear seats — good for sunny days, however maybe not very best for wet environments. Whereas these California high automobiles are exceedingly uncommon, we’ve discovered one thing in the identical vein however much more unusual. You’re taking a look at photos of the BMW 328i Baur Topcabriolet.

What’s the BMW 328i Baur Topcabriolet?

Dyed within the wool fanatics would possibly acknowledge the Baur identify. The coachbuilder made a reputation for itself within the pre- and post-World Battle II period, making convertible tops for automakers like Mercedes and, after all, BMW. When BMW and others began making convertibles on their very own, Baur as an alternative sought out a brand new area of interest. Primarily, the corporate started making convertible variations of sedans. One such automotive was the E36 generation BMW 3 Series. It was additionally, in truth, the corporate’s final BMW would-be convertible challenge. Contemplating solely 311 autos had been produced, we’re not too shocked Baur sought new roads ahead.

Anyway, the BMW 328i Baur Topcabriolet is precisely what it appears like. It’s an E36 era BMW 3 Collection with a Baur-sourced high changing the normal roof. What makes this automotive distinctive — er, extra distinctive — is its engine. In contrast to common Baur 3 Collection of the time, which might be laid out in 318i, 320i, or 325i guise, this one sports activities the most popular engine you could possibly get in a non-M3 3 Collection of the classic. The hearty 2.8-liter M52B28 engine supplied as much as 190 horsepower (142 kW), making it simply 30 or so horsepower shy of the U.S.-spec M3. In fact, these had been by no means formally accessible within the U.S., making {that a} little bit of a foolish comparability. This one’s painted Montrealblau, a considerably unusual metallic blue end.

There are some attention-grabbing anecdotes and asides now we have to level out. For one, we’re uncertain why BMW introduces the BMW 328i Baur Topcabriolet as such, when it appears clear that the automotive was in truth named the Baur TC4 or TC4 Landaulet. Maybe the engine? Secondly, our temporary contact on Baur historical past hardly does service to the model’s impression on automotive historical past. Karosserie Baur was additionally answerable for last meeting of the legendary BMW M1. The arguably much more notable Porsche 959 was additionally pieced collectively at Baur. In the present day, automobiles just like the BMW 328i Baur Topcabriolet are a reminder of the previous.