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The BMW 503 was produced from 1956 through 1959 with just over 400 constructed. The design was courteous of Count Albrecht von Goertz, the designer of the BMW 507, Datsun 240Z, and more. The 503 was large and luxurious powered by an eight-cylinder powerplant which sat snug under the hood. The 3.2 liter engine produced 140 horsepower; good enough for a 118 mph top speed.
Introduced to the public at the 1955 Geneva Auto Show, the BMW 503 was positioned to compete with the might Mercedes 300SL roadster. The 503 was constructed of aluminum and introduced many innovative design features such as a transaxle located directly under the front seat and not connected directly to the engine. The top could be removed electrically, a first for a German marque. The chassis was a box-type construction which was suspended by two transverse A-frame arms. The shock absorbers were mounted on the outside of the A-arms which reduced the overall noise during travel.
In the end, the 503 did little to compete with the 300SL due to a hefty sticker price. Production ceased in 1959 after 273 coupes and 129 convertibles were constructed. A BMW 503 played a starring role in the 1971 movie 'The Last Run' starring George Scott.
Introduced to the public at the 1955 Geneva Auto Show, the BMW 503 was positioned to compete with the might Mercedes 300SL roadster. The 503 was constructed of aluminum and introduced many innovative design features such as a transaxle located directly under the front seat and not connected directly to the engine. The top could be removed electrically, a first for a German marque. The chassis was a box-type construction which was suspended by two transverse A-frame arms. The shock absorbers were mounted on the outside of the A-arms which reduced the overall noise during travel.
In the end, the 503 did little to compete with the 300SL due to a hefty sticker price. Production ceased in 1959 after 273 coupes and 129 convertibles were constructed. A BMW 503 played a starring role in the 1971 movie 'The Last Run' starring George Scott.
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Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com
Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com