Vehicle Description
During the 1950s, automotive design reached new heights, with
manufacturers on both sides of the Atlantic producing some of the
most enduring and elegant sports cars of the era. Among them, the
BMW 507 stands as one of the most refined and visually striking.
Its timeless design and engineering excellence have secured its
place among the most collectible post-war sports cars. The model's
enduring significance is underscored by BMW's decision to honor it
with the Z8 roadster, a direct homage introduced nearly four
decades later. While many manufacturers incorporate design elements
from their heritage models, few have done so as comprehensively as
BMW in recognizing the 507's influence.
The BMW 507 was conceived with a clear objective: to capture the
lucrative American sports car market. Austrian-born importer Max
Hoffman, a key figure in introducing European brands to the U.S.,
persuaded BMW that a high-performance roadster could compete with
the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. Hoffman turned to Count Albrecht von
Goertz, a German-born, New York-based designer who had worked under
the legendary Raymond Loewy, to style the car. The result was an
exceptionally well-proportioned and elegant roadster, seamlessly
blending European sophistication with an American-inspired grand
touring aesthetic.
Mechanically, the 507 was based on BMW's 502 luxury saloon,
utilizing a shortened version of its chassis and an all-aluminum
3.2-liter V8 engine. The lightweight construction helped keep
weight to approximately 1,280 kg, while the V8 produced 150
horsepower, enabling a top speed of 125 mph and a 0-62 mph time of
11 seconds. Though not as fast as some rivals, the 507 excelled as
a refined grand tourer, offering strong mid-range torque and smooth
power delivery. Its aluminum body was both stylish and practical, a
necessary measure to offset the weight of the robust chassis.
First shown at the 1955 Frankfurt Auto Show, the 507 received
widespread critical acclaim for its beauty and craftsmanship.
However, its high cost-initially set at $9,000 in the U.S.,
significantly above Hoffman's target price-proved to be a major
obstacle. At more than twice the price of a Chevrolet Corvette, and
even costlier than a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, the 507 struggled to
find buyers. Although it attracted a distinguished clientele,
including Elvis Presley, John Surtees, and Prince Rainier of
Monaco, BMW was unable to achieve the production numbers needed to
sustain profitability. With BMW reportedly losing money on each
car, production ceased in December 1959 after only 252 examples had
been built.
Per the BMW Classic Birth Certificate on file, this gorgeous 507
roadster, chassis 70185, was produced on October 6, 1958, and
delivered on October 31, 1958, to Autohaus H. B�te KG in Hannover,
Germany, finished in Federweiss (Feather White) and equipped with a
factory hardtop from new. In 2022 it acquired by noted marque
specialists Arthur Bechtel in Germany. The car had been the
recipient of a very detailed nut and bolt restoration, believed to
have been completed circa 2012, and passed the strict TUV
inspection in Germany at that time. In the hands of Arthur Bechtel,
the car received a complete interior retrim as well as a general
freshening in 2022 before passing to its most recent US custodian.
Restored in a striking shade of Korellenrot (Coral Red) with an
Elfenbein (Ivory) hardtopover a tan leather interior, this 507 is
an exquisite example ready for concours or the road. Recently out
of a collection that includes numerous important sports cars, it
has seen limited use since the exquisite restoration was completed,
and it remains in remarkably fresh condition. The body exhibits
excellent quality paintwork and detailing, with straight, properly
aligned panels. Options include a Becker Mexico AM/FM radio,
desirable Rudge knockoff wheels, dressed in fresh period correct
Michelin Pilote tires and a very rare set of matching fitted
luggage in the boot. The Ivory finished hardtop neatly contrasts
the body panels and is joined by a tan canvas soft top.
Similar attention to detail was paid to the interior, which has
been fully restored using correct-type tan leather and square weave
carpeting. The seats are excellent, showing little in the way of
use and remaining taut, with supple leather and excellent quality
stitching and fit. The fascia contains intricate chrome switchgear
and trim, all of which have been restored to the same high level as
the rest of the cabin.
Under the hood, the original matching numbers 3.2-liter aluminum V8
engine, number 40203, is beautifully detailed utilizing original
accessories and properly finished hardware. Both the engine and
engine compartment have been restored and detailed including the
silver painted engine and accessories, cast iron exhaust manifolds,
correctly finished twin carburetors with stamped metal air
cleaners, and proper hardware, and a set of proper Hazet tools
resides in a dedicated BMW storage box on the cowl.
In addition to the visual condition, this 507 offers both
mechanical refinement and operational confidence. The engine is
brisk and responsive moving through all five gears. Driving this
BMW 507 it is easy to see how these cars delighted the few but
fortunate owners who purchased them new despite the considerable
financial losses BMW experienced lavishing the absolute best in
quality which nearly resulted in their demise.
The BMW 507 Series II stands as a hallmark of automotive design and
engineering, revered by the most distinguished collectors for its
timeless beauty and refined elegance. Renowned as one of the most
beautiful sports cars of the 1950s, the BMW 507 also serves as a
gateway to some of the world's most prestigious motoring events,
including the Mille Miglia, Colorado Grand, and California Mille.
Its enduring appeal among collectors is underscored by the homage
paid through the 2000s BMW Z8 and the continued strength and
prestige of the BMW brand today. As a pivotal model in establishing
BMW's legacy in North America and beyond, it epitomizes the brand's
commitment to excellence in performance and design. With its
expertly executed restoration and enduring design, this 507
represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most iconic and
sophisticated sports cars in automotive history.
Offers welcome and trades considered
