1958 BMW 507 Roadster

Anything truly iconic is a matter of taste reaching a critical mass. It involved timing and the willingness to take a chance. It would be fitting, therefore, that such an iconic car would attract such icons as owners.

It wouldn't start that way for the 507. Missteps in the manufacturing of the car would cause the price of each car to go well above estimated price levels. Originally conceived by the automobile importer Max Hoffman to fill a gap between the expensive Mercedes-Benz 300SL and the cheaper Triumphs and MG sports car, the new BMW design was to sell for about $5,000. The trouble in production would end up driving the price up to $9,000 and upwards of $10,000 in the end. This was driving BMW to the brink of bankruptcy. It was costing the company money with each 507 built.

The trouble would actually start even before the design would begin to roll out of the factory. Initial designs would be rejected by Hoffman. This would force BMW to bring in Albrecht von Goertz. Goertz would end up designing both the 503 and the 507.

Despite the early disagreements in design, the 507 would first make an appearance with the 503 in the 1955 Frankfurt auto show. Compared to the 503, the 507 had a lightness and an elegance that would attract the eye of many. It was a rare blend. Not only was the car's design attractive and appealing from just about any angle, the car's performance was just as attractive. Given its size and the tuned 3.2-liter V-8 engine that was capable of producing 150 horsepower, the 507 certainly wasn't underpowered like the Triumph and MG and it wasn't to cost as much as the 300SL. At least it wasn't supposed to cost as much.

The extra cost would come from the design. Goertz would be involved in every area of the car's design. He would take the best components available and would have the best technicians trying to fit all of them underneath the stunning, yet simple body.

The frame would be constructed from large rectangular tubes. It would come with an independent front suspension and a three-point live rear axle. Both the front and the rear suspensions would use torsion bars, but the front would incorporate torsion bar springs. The 150 bhp from the V-8 would be delivered to wheels via a ZF four-speed manual gearbox. Braking action for the powerful car would come from larger than normal Alfin drums.

What would result from Goertz's constant attention to detail would be debt issues and a truly iconic car that would unfortunately have a much smaller audience than originally intended. Some of the car's fans would include such names in racing as Hans Stuck, Georg Meier and Jon Surtees. However, the car would also attract another lesser-obvious fan. Elvis Presley would also be associated with Cadillac convertibles, but while stationed in Germany, Presley would come to notice the car and would be given one by BMW for his own personal use.

While the 507 would threaten BMW's existence it would set the company on a new course in the minds of the public. Its willingness to produce such attractive and progressive designs would give new life to the company. Instead of the roadster for the common man, circumstances would end up producing a roadster for only a very few. It was practically propitious BMW wouldn't be able to make all of the 507's it intended for its iconic design, and rare numbers, would make for a truly desirable car.

And one of those desirable 507 Roadsters would cross the block at the RM Auctions in Monterey, California in August of 2011. One of only 253 examples of the 507, chassis 70192 would enjoy a truly rich history.

Only Albrecht von Goertz's attractive design would be fitting for the first 'Bond Girl'. While it is believed to be gifted by Elvis Presley, it is true that 70192 would be delivered to Ursula Andress after it had been delivered new to BMW Group Classic in New York City. One icon perfectly fitted for another, it is suggested by BMW Group Classic that Andress told Presley she would only take a BMW 507 instead of the more usual Cadillac convertible.

Finished in white, the car's interior would feature a bold red leather interior with white trim. Matching the famous white bikini for which Andress would become synonymous, the white 507 would undergo some modification during the fifteen years in which the actress owned the car. The engine would be replaced with a Ford V-8 and the car would have nerf bar bumpers fitted to it. Those nerf bumpers remain on the car to this day, but many of the other modifications would be reversed when the car was sold to Mark Smith.

Smith would find an original 507 engine and transmission. He would even return the car to its original white color. Since Smith's ownership, the car would make its way to the Imperial Palace Collection and would remain on display until purchased by the Lyon family. As part of the Lyon Collection the car went through careful restoration, but would still be driven frequently.

As the car headed to auction it was estimated anywhere from $800,000 to $1,200,000 could be offered for this truly remarkable and unique 507. No doubt about it, chassis 70192 offers its buyer both a piece of automotive inspiration and of Hollywood story-telling. Perhaps more importantly, the buyer has the opportunity to own a source of inspiration that transcends its own generation. At auction, the lot was sold for the sum of $1,072,500 which included buyers premium.

Sources:
'Featured Lots: Lot No. 238: 1958 BMW 507 Roadster', (http://www.rmauctions.com/featurecars.cfm?SaleCode=MO11&CarID=r245&fc=0). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/featurecars.cfm?SaleCode=MO11&CarID=r245&fc=0. Retrieved 17 August 2011.

Wikipedia contributors, 'BMW 507', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 11 July 2011, 00:45 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=BMW_507&oldid=438831006 accessed 17 August 2011

By Jeremy McMullen