Hobbo's BMW 320i

[1961redlegs]

Tonight, I finished a replica of the BMW 320i David Hobbs drove in the 1977 IMSA GT season. The BMW 320i was not overly impressive at first, but when BMW teamed with McLaren, this turbocharged monster became a formidable machine indeed, especially in Hobbo's capable hands. In 1977, Hobbs won four times, but the finicky nature of the car also caused a fair amount of DNFs. At season's end, he was fourth in the championship. However, this was the foundation of a truly remarkable car, as soon enough it became a truly fearsome machine in European and American racing.

This is the ESCI kit I was asked to build by a client. This kit isn't as good as the Tamiya kit-there are some fit issues, especially with the hood, but careful sanding, trimming, and fitting makes for a really nice build (also causes a little bit of clag-sorry, I couldn't resist!). I used Indycals decals, and while they were designed for the Tamiya car, they worked really well with some patience and fitting. There is a distinct difference between the two cars, but nothing that is a deal-ender. Indycals are also really forgiving, so that contributed mightily to the successful completion of the build. I painted the car Tamiya pure white, used Molotow chrome on the wheels, and Bare Metal Foil on the trim work. All and all, I am satisfied with the build, it isn't perfect, but it looks the part and my client is satisfied, which is the most important.Thanks for looking!

[indy]

Nice work, Jerry, and I appreciated the clag reference. Good chrome work on the trim and chroming the wheels. I love the big wings and fenders on the car. Hobbo would be proud.

Jordan

[Calvin]

anytime I see a Hobbo car I hit the like button.

Beautiful build

[darylh]

IMSA race at Mid-Ohio in 1977 featured Hobbs and Holbert on the front row. Hobbs was in the BMW and Holbert was in his Chevy Monza. My buddy Kurt and I were in the infield. As they came around to take the green Holbert dove into the pits. One of his wheels was loose so his pole position evaporated. Hobbs launched himself away from the field as Holbert rejoined dead last. Holbert put on a tremendous show of working through the traffic. I had the stopwatch on him as he slowly tried to get back to Hobbs. Hobbs knew he was coming so he pushed really hard to maintain his lead. It was high drama and made for a great race. In the end Holbert came up a bit short as Hobbs took the win. The post race interview broadcast through the track p/a was pure Hobbs. Economaki asked if he knew how hard Holbert was working to catch him and Hobbs responded "We knew he was pushing hard so we did too but the big problem was getting past the big slow cars." Kurt and I looked at each other and burst out laughing. He was talking about the Corvettes that made up half of the field. From that day on we referred to Corvettes as the big slow cars.

[1961redlegs]

Thank you for the kind words, guys! Darryl, I’ll have to remember to call Corvettes “big, slow cars” from now on! I love that story!

[indy]

Jul 17, 2020 20:59:36 GMT -5 1961redlegs said:

Darryl, I’ll have to remember to call Corvettes “big, slow cars” from now on! I love that story!

Can you legally say that in Kentucky!? LOL

Jordan

[lolagt00]

Back in the early '60's Corvettes were called "Plastic Pachyderms" with all the other race cars avoiding them. But I thought this unfair as many of the 'Vette guys DROVE their cars to the track and raced them and them DROVE home usually with the wife as passenger. Same with the MG, Triumph and Healy guys, not too many trailers and NO Big Rigs in those days!

[1961redlegs]

Jul 17, 2020 23:07:47 GMT -5 indy said:

Jul 17, 2020 20:59:36 GMT -5 1961redlegs said:

Darryl, I’ll have to remember to call Corvettes “big, slow cars” from now on! I love that story!

Can you legally say that in Kentucky!? LOL

Jordan

I run risks saying that, but the fact that I’m a University of Kentucky football but not basketball fan draws more sideways glances! 😂