To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Arizona event, 17 - 18
January 2019.
Estimate:
$2,500,000 - $3,000,000
- One of just 252 examples
- Desirable Series II example with rare factory hardtop
- Correct and desirable five-speed gearbox
- Comprehensive restoration by TT Workshops
- Fitted with a correct-type 160-hp engine
- Presented at the 2002 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
It was the drumbeats from Max Hoffman's New York office that led to
the creation of the Porsche Speedster, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL and
190 SL, and this car, the BMW 507. While BMW would have eventually
recognized the performance capabilities of its engineering, or how
the American market's thirst for fast, beautiful, open two-seaters
had not yet been quenched, it was Hoffman who spurred on the
effort, by demanding stylish machinery that would bridge the divide
between low-priced MGs, the Porsches, and the pricey 300 SL in his
lineup.
The 507 would utilize the best of Bavaria, with mechanical
components sourced from the 502 and 503 series, including a
3.2-liter, overhead-valve aluminum block V-8, which had been
improved with twin carburetors in order to produce some 150-plus
hp. Like most great automobiles, however, it would not have become
a legend if not for its flowing, downright sensuous curves. It was
Max Hoffman who had final approval of the design, so he requested
the services of Count Albrecht von Goertz, a prot�g� of famed
industrial designer Raymond Loewy, whose futuristic themes for
Studebaker in the early '50s had caught Hoffman's discerning eye.
For Hoffman and BMW, Goertz imagined some of the most beautiful
lines ever folded into metal.
The 507 was hand-built at a price that eventually reached over
$11,000, which was a towering sum for any car at the time, and it
was discontinued after only two-and-a-half years and 252 examples.
The basic lines of the 507 went on to inspire one of the greatest
modern BMW designs, including the Z8, which became its spiritual
successor in the carriage houses of the wealthy and stylish.
This BMW 507 roadster is a later series II example and was
completed and delivered on 10 July 1958 to G. Dagmar in Munich,
Germany. The car was originally finished in Spring White and
included the attractive removable hardtop. The car was then sold to
Werner Preis in Dusseldorf. According to BMW Group Archive, at some
point in the car's life, it was fitted with a replacement 160-hp
engine which was stamped with the original number. The original
engine is believed to exist in another 507 in Europe.
In early 2000, the car was discovered by Charles Crail and sold to
Microsoft Vice President Rick Thompson of Bellevue, Washington, who
was in search for a Pebble-Beach restoration candidate. At the time
the car was finished in white with a black leather interior and
with 77,000 km (48,000 miles). The car was shipped to John Giles at
TT Workshops Ltd. in Westbury, England, for a complete body-off
restoration. Upon delivery, Giles noted that the car was, "a very
nice, well-maintained automobile. Very complete, and virtually all
parts correct." This made for an excellent starting point for a
Pebble Beach-quality restoration, which was completed over a
two-year period. The engine and gearbox were completely rebuilt at
this time. The concours-quality restoration was featured in the
July 2002 issue of Roundel, the publication for the BMW Club of
America. Upon completion, the car was shipped to the U.S. in July
of 2002, just in time to partake in the Pebble Beach festivities
the following month where it participated in the Tour d'Elegance as
well as the Concours d'Elegance.
In February of 2003, Mr. Thompson sold the car to a private
collector. Under his ownership the BMW was driven roughly 2,000
miles and attended numerous events, including the Kirkland Concours
in 2007 and 2008, winning 1st in Class both years; campaigned in
the 2008 Copperstate 1000; and The Allure of the Automobile at
Portland Art Museum in July 2011. During this ownership, the car
was well maintained by Vintage Racing Motors of Redmond,
Washington.
In August of 2014, the car was acquired by another private
collection. The current owner has enjoyed the car, choosing not to
show it but always keeping it well maintained. The car has
benefitted from an annual service each year, while addressing any
maintenance items that arose. The 507 remains in splendid
condition, with its restoration holding up very nicely. It is
accompanied by a complete tool kit, three volumes of documentation,
including restoration photos and invoices, as well as a convertible
top boot cover and tonneau cover.
Presented in Midnight Blue with a color-matched hardtop over a red
leather interior, this 507 is a wonderful example of the marque.
Featuring reliable disc brakes and desirable five-speed gearbox,
this classic German sports car is a very usable classic, ideal for
road rallies and vintage touring.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.
