1958 BMW 507 Roadster

Two new variations of the V-8 powered BMW 502 were displaced at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show - the 503 and the 507. Both models wore a design courtesy of Count Albrecht von Goertz, the 507 given roadster coachwork that successfully combined harmonious lines, the classic kidney grille, aggressive rear haunches, and unmistakable side vents. The lightweight aluminum body appeared to be stretched over the advanced mechanical underpinnings and the rigid box frame. BMW's robust twin-carburetor alloy V8 engine displaced 3,168cc and delivered 150 horsepower. It was backed by a four-speed ZF synchromesh manual gearbox and large Alfin drum brakes, and depending on the gear ratio selected, the 507 was capable of 125 to 135 mph with zero-to-sixty mph achieved in less than ten seconds.

The BMW 507 was priced at $8,988 in the U.S. making it one of the most expensive (thus exclusive) cars of its day. Between November 1956 and May 1959, just 254 examples were built. The BMW was certainly not a commercial success, but it did accomplish BMW's goal of building a paragon of the sports car world.

This particular example is a Series II model and one of 218 examples built. The Series II was initially developed as a separate model for the American market, became the production standard in mid-1957. They were given a revised dashboard layout, a relocated fuel tank that increased interior space, repositioned seats placed farther rearward, and more streamlined stowage for the convertible top. Later Series II models were given front disc brakes.

This particular example was completed on January 14, 1958, finished in Silbergrau (Silver Grey) and factory equipped with a hardtop and exhaust tips. It is one of 21 examples finished in Silbergrau, tied with Japan Red for the second most popular 507 color after Feather White.

This BMW was shipped to Caracas in May of 1958 making it one of just 13 examples delivered new to Venezuela. It spent a brief time in South America before returning to Germany around 1960 and remaining in Europe for the next five decades. By the late 1960s, it was owned by Ludwig Hahn and then passed to Nicolaus Hahn - perhaps a relative. Erich Benz offered it for sale in 2005 and then restored it to a high standard between 2006 and 2008. The mechanical overhaul was performed by the BMW Classic department.

In May 2014, while under the care of Jan Onne of Hamburg, Germany, the car returned to BMW Classic for an extensive inspection and factory expertise report.

The car was acquired by an American collector in 2016 who displayed it that year at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.

This BMW 507 is currently finished in factory-correct Silver Grey, with red leather uphostlery, and a dark gray hardtop. There are Rudge knock-off wheels and period-correct whitewall tires. There is a Becker radio, front disc brakes, a proper underhood tool kit with Hazet components, sales literature, maintenance charts, repair manual, and owner's manual.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2021