1959 BMW 507 Roadster

The BMW 503 and 507 were introduced in late 1955 at the Frankfurt Motor Show and although both models were designed by Count Albrecht von Goertz, it was the 507 roadster that stole the show and captured the hearts of showgoers. The roadster had harmonious lines, a classic kidney grille, aggressive rear haunches, and side vents. The lightweight aluminum coachwork was draped over the rigid box frame, four-speed synchromesh gearbox, large Alfin drum brakes, and a robust twin-carburetor V-8 engine.

Production of the 507 commenced in November 1956 and ended in May 1959 after just 254 examples were built.

This particular BMW 507 has resided for much of its life in the garage of its original owner. The car was completed on April 2nd of 1959 and is a late-production Series II model, of which 218 examples were built. It has the revised dashboard layout, a relocated fuel tank that allowed the seats to be moved rearward, and an improved top storage. It originally (and currently) wore Schwarz (Black) with red leather upholstery and factory-equipped with the optional hardtop. Just 15 of the 254 BMW 507s built were originally painted black.

This BMW was delivered to its first owner, Gerhard R. Bold of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in May of 1959. Mr. Bold took delivery of the BMW in Germany and then shipped it to the United States aboard the SS Finnboard for delivery in August 1959.

In the early 1970s, Mr. Bold exhibited the BMW at The New Hope Automobile Show in Pennsylvania, and later in the decade, retired it from regular use. Since then, the BMW has sat partially disassembled on Mr. Bold's property. Recently, it was purchased by its current caretaker.

The car is in unrestored and largely original condition. The interior retains its original red leather upholstery and carpeting, and the engine bay houses the original ancillary components.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2022