1957 BMW 503 Cabriolet

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