Extremely-Uncommon 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 comfortable high and conventional roof, the California Version 318ti supplied a canvas high that stretched over each the entrance and rear seats — excellent for sunny days, however maybe not ultimate for wet environments. Whereas these California high vehicles 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 fans would possibly acknowledge the Baur identify. The coachbuilder made a reputation for itself within the pre- and post-World Struggle 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. Basically, the corporate started making convertible variations of sedans. One such automobile was the E36 generation BMW 3 Series. It was additionally, in actual fact, the corporate’s final BMW would-be convertible venture. Contemplating solely 311 automobiles had been produced, we’re not too shocked Baur sought new roads ahead.

Anyway, the BMW 328i Baur Topcabriolet is precisely what it seems like. It’s an E36 technology BMW 3 Sequence with a Baur-sourced high changing the standard roof. What makes this automobile distinctive — er, extra distinctive — is its engine. Not like common Baur 3 Sequence of the time, which may very well be laid out in 318i, 320i, or 325i guise, this one sports activities the most well liked engine you can get in a non-M3 3 Sequence of the classic. The hearty 2.8-liter M52B28 engine offered as much as 190 horsepower (142 kW), making it simply 30 or so horsepower shy of the U.S.-spec M3. After all, these had been by no means formally obtainable 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 fascinating anecdotes and asides we have now to level out. For one, we’re not sure why BMW introduces the BMW 328i Baur Topcabriolet as such, when it appears clear that the automobile was in actual fact 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. At this time, vehicles just like the BMW 328i Baur Topcabriolet are a reminder of the previous.