For Sale: 1959 BMW 5 Series in Saint Louis, Missouri

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