BMW's 328 and 328 Hommage. Image: BMW AG
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the BMW 328, considered by many to be the best looking and most successful car in BMW’s early lineup. Designed to emphasize lightweight construction, aerodynamic lines and innovative suspension technology, the BMW 328 Touring Coupe still holds the record for the highest average Mille Miglia speed. To honor this legendary car from BMW’s past, their designers have created a modern interpretation of the 328, dubbed the BMW 328 Hommage.
BMW's doorless 328 Hommage. Image: BMW AG
Thanks to extensive use of modern materials like carbon fiber reinforced plastic, the BMW Channel Catfish 328 Hommage weighs in at just over 1,700 pounds. Aluminum trim is used throughout the interior, which features leather upholstery to tie back to the original 328. Like the original 328 development vehicles, the 328 Hommage lacks doors, which may not be the most ideal thing from an aerodynamic perspective. BMW’s kidney-shaped grille is unmistakable up front, and is emphasized in tribute to the original 328, one of the first BMW to use the now-iconic design theme.
Image: BMW AG
BMW claims the 328 has an “athletic rear end”, as does the model in the pictures. The rear three-quarter view may be the most visually appealing of all angles, and is certainly less controversial than the front or front three quarter view. I have to say I’m not a big fan of the tribute car’s lines, as the 328 Homage goes beyond “over the top” in styling. For a car that’s supposed to emphasize aerodynamic lines, it probably has the drag coefficient of an apartment building, and I challenge anyone to explain to me how the front end pays tribute to the original 328. I’m not an automotive designer, nor do I play one on TV, but the 328 Hommage simply doesn’t do it for me. What’s your take – epic win or utter fail?
Source: BMW
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
