Chassis 69390
- One of only 139 BMW 503 Cabriolets produced
- Desirable Series II model with floor-mounted shifter
- Restored by Arthur Bechtel Classic Motors in 2022
- Striking red over tan leather
- 3.2-liter aluminum V8 with period-correct Becker radio and
detailed presentation
The BMW 503 emerged during one of the most ambitious periods in the
marque's postwar history. Encouraged by influential American
importer Max Hoffman, BMW sought to supplement its conservative
luxury sedans with a more glamorous grand touring model aimed at an
increasingly affluent international clientele. The result was the
503, styled by Count Albrecht von Goertz and introduced alongside
the now-legendary 507 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1955.
Where the 507 was overtly sporting, the 503 offered a more refined
interpretation of the same philosophy. Its elegant aluminum
coachwork concealed sophisticated underpinnings derived from BMW's
larger saloons, while power came from the marque's advanced
3.2-liter aluminum V8. Producing approximately 140 horsepower, the
engine endowed the 503 with smooth, effortless performance
befitting its role as one of Germany's premier luxury grand
tourers.
Production remained extremely limited. Just 412 examples were built
across two series between 1956 and 1959, of which only 139 were
Cabriolets. The later Series II cars benefited from a number of
welcome refinements, most notably the adoption of a floor-mounted
gearshift in place of the earlier column-mounted arrangement,
giving the driver a more direct and sporting experience.
Per the BMW Classic Birth Certificate on file, this 1959 BMW 503
Series II Cabriolet, chassis 69390, was produced on April 21, 1959
and delivered one week later, on April 28, to Imperial Garage in
Paris, France. It left the factory finished in Ivory and was built
as a Cabriolet, making it one of the final examples produced before
503 production concluded that same year.
More recently, chassis 69390 was the recipient of a comprehensive,
photo-documented restoration by noted BMW and Mercedes-Benz
specialist Arthur Bechtel Classic Motors in 2022. Today it presents
in a vibrant shade of red over tan leather, a particularly handsome
combination that highlights the restrained elegance of von Goertz's
design. Color-keyed steel wheels with chrome center caps and
spinners further enhance the presentation and evoke the appearance
of the highly desirable factory Rudge wheels.
The interior has been restored to an equally high standard, trimmed
in supple tan leather with oatmeal square-weave carpeting. The
seats remain fresh and inviting, while the dashboard and interior
fittings retain the understated elegance expected of BMW's flagship
grand tourer. A period-correct Becker radio completes the
cabin.
Under the hood resides BMW's celebrated 3.2-liter aluminum V8,
engine number 30889, which is beautifully presented and provides
the smooth, refined character that defined the 503 when new.
Combined with the Series II floor-mounted shifter, the V8 gives the
Cabriolet an engaging driving quality while retaining the relaxed
manner expected of a true continental touring car.
Today, chassis 69390 presents as an exceptionally attractive
example of this rare model. The restoration remains fresh
throughout, with excellent paintwork, a beautifully finished
interior, and carefully detailed mechanical components. Its open
coachwork, refined V8 performance, and thoughtful restoration make
it equally appealing for concours display or long-distance
touring.
With just 139 Cabriolets produced, the BMW 503 remains considerably
rarer than many of its better-known contemporaries. Elegant,
sophisticated, and closely linked to the same von Goertz design
language that produced the 507, this late Series II example offers
a rare opportunity to acquire one of BMW's most exclusive and
accomplished postwar grand tourers.
Offers welcome and trades considered.
