Abstract: A blow molding machine, includes a base frame, a blow mold adapted for receiving a tubular parison and having a first mold support plate for support one mold half and a second mold support plate for support of another mold half. A transport unit is mounted to the base frame for so moving the first and second support plates that the mold halves are free from any direct, form-fitting coupling, with the transport unit including a first drive mechanism operatively connected to the first support plate and a second drive mechanism operatively connected to the second support plate and operating independent of the first drive mechanism. Secured to the support plates is a locking mechanism for pinching off the tubular parison and clamping the mold halves during the blow molding operation.