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BMW unveiled the 503 2+2 sports car at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show and would produce them from May of 1956 through March of 1959. In total, only 413 were ever built, including 139 cabriolets. The styling was courtesy of Albrecht von Goertz based on ideas and sketches by Kurt Bredschneider. Power was from a light-weight V8 engine from the BMW 502. Displacing 3.2-liters, the powerplant produced 140 horsepower. They had a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
This Bertone-bodied 503 Cabriolet is one of the 129 drop-tops built. It was acquired by an American collector in the early 2000s, and at the time, was in excellent original condition. Very little work was required to make it roadworthy. It was given a mechanical restoration which turned out to be little more than a meticulous detailing and tune-up. It was evident that the car had been well cared for since new.
The car was given a full re-commissioning, that included taking it down to the bare aluminum. It was painted in white paint with the interior receiving a refinishing in leather. All of the gauges, knobs, and interior hardware were re-freshened, and a new top was fitted.
Since that time, the car has been used sparingly and properly serviced. It has been shown on a few occasions.
In 2009, this BMW 503 was offered for sale at Gooding & Company's auction held at Pebble Beach, California. The lot was estimated to sell for $225,000 - $275,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for the sum of $231,000, inclusive of buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2010
This Bertone-bodied 503 Cabriolet is one of the 129 drop-tops built. It was acquired by an American collector in the early 2000s, and at the time, was in excellent original condition. Very little work was required to make it roadworthy. It was given a mechanical restoration which turned out to be little more than a meticulous detailing and tune-up. It was evident that the car had been well cared for since new.
The car was given a full re-commissioning, that included taking it down to the bare aluminum. It was painted in white paint with the interior receiving a refinishing in leather. All of the gauges, knobs, and interior hardware were re-freshened, and a new top was fitted.
Since that time, the car has been used sparingly and properly serviced. It has been shown on a few occasions.
In 2009, this BMW 503 was offered for sale at Gooding & Company's auction held at Pebble Beach, California. The lot was estimated to sell for $225,000 - $275,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for the sum of $231,000, inclusive of buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2010
2014 Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction
Sale Price :
USD $330,000
2013 RM Auctions - VILLA ERBA
High Bid (Lot was not sold)
€240,000
2009 Pebble Beach Auction : Gooding & Company
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $225,000-USD $275,000
Sale Price :
USD $231,000
2007 Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $140,000-USD $180,000
Sale Price :
USD $165,000
2004 The Monterey Sports and Classic Car Auction
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $140,000-USD $160,000
Sale Price :
USD $165,000
1957 BMW 503 Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the BMW 503
(Data based on Model Year 1957 sales)
1957 BMW 503 COUPE Chassis#: 69089 Sold for USD$134,400 2024 Gooding : Amelia Island Concours | |
1957 BMW 503 Coupe Sold for USD$66,000 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1957 BMW 503 Chassis#: 69141 Sold for USD$297,419 2020 Bonhams : Goodwood Speedweek | |
1957 BMW 503 Coupe Chassis#: 69185 Sold for USD$137,500 2019 RM Sothebys : Fort Lauderdale | |
1957 BMW 503 Cabriolet Chassis#: 69090 Sold for USD$583,000 2017 Bonhams : Quail Lodge | |
1957 BMW 503 Coupe Chassis#: 69.181 Sold for USD$160,574 2017 Coys at Olympia | |
1957 BMW 503 CABRIOLET Chassis#: 69146 Sold for USD$330,000 2014 Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction | |
1957 BMW 503 Coupe Chassis#: 69185 Sold for USD$220,000 2014 Gooding & Company - Amelia Island Sale | |
1957 BMW 503 Series II Coupe Chassis#: 69116 Sold for USD$165,000 2012 Gooding and Company - The Scottsdale Auction | |
1957 BMW 503 Cabriolet Chassis#: 69146 Sold for USD$231,000 2009 Pebble Beach Auction : Gooding & Company | |
1957 BMW 503 Convertible Chassis#: 69146 Sold for USD$165,000 2007 Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona | |
1957 BMW 503 Convertible Coupe Chassis#: 69146 Sold for USD$165,000 2004 The Monterey Sports and Classic Car Auction |
BMW 503s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1957 BMW 503's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1957 BMW 503 Cabriolet by Bertone | 69146 | 2013 RM Auctions VILLA ERBA | $240,000 |
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