Again within the mid-to-late Fifties, when tailfins have been all the trend in America, one other widespread format was proving to be immensely profitable for automakers. The open-top V8 roadster. From the Thunderbird to the C1 Corvette, this was a method that delivered thrill and status in equal measure. Even European automakers have been driving this wave and cashing in with fashions just like the Porsche 356 and Mercedes’ 300 SL roadster. BMW, desperate to get a foothold within the booming U.S. market, got down to create its personal contender. It was none aside from Max Hoffman, the outstanding importer from New York, who planted the seed, urging BMW to create a aggressive mannequin that might tackle the competitors. The outcome was the 507, Bavaria’s reply to the roadster wars.
BMW 507: A V8 Roadster With a Mission
BMW roped in Depend Albrecht von Goertz to design the 507, and what he delivered was a form that has actually aged gracefully and stood the check of time. Making its debut in 1955, the 507 featured an extended hood and a brief deck lid. Wrapped in hand-formed aluminium, the general form and curvaceous type rivaled Italy’s most interesting on the time, however with a splash of German restraint. Underneath the pores and skin was a shortened model of BMW’s 503 chassis, and driving on a 98-inch wheelbase, it made for a reasonably compact sports activities automobile.
Powering the 507 was BMW’s first-ever manufacturing V8: a 3.2-liter overhead valve (OHV) unit that additionally featured within the 503, however tuned for extra punch. With a warmer cam, polished combustion chambers, twin carburetors, and a revised ignition system, output climbed to 150 horsepower. All 507s have been paired with a 4-speed guide transmission. 60 mph was carried out away with in 12 seconds, and the highest pace was 125 mph. Onboard, issues have been easy: a decent cabin with clear traces, leather-based, and clear gauges.
BMW 507 Specs
| Engine Displacement | 3.2L (3168 cc) |
| Engine Configuration | Naturally aspirated OHV V8 |
| Horsepower | 150 hp |
| Torque | 164 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 4-speed guide |
| Curb Weight | ~2,900 lbs |
| 0–60 mph | ~12.0 seconds |
| High Pace | ~125 mph |
The suspension was simple: double wishbones with sway bar upfront and a dwell rear axle and torsion bar setup in again. Whereas drum brakes have been supplied as customary on early automobiles, later fashions have been upgraded with entrance discs. At only a shy underneath 3,000 kilos, this was not a lightweight automobile even for its day, however the balanced chassis and the great seems greater than made up for it.
Max Hoffman had hoped for a $5,000 value level, however low demand and ballooning manufacturing prices owing to that labor-intensive bodywork ultimately pushed the ultimate retail value to properly north of $10,000. This made the 507 simply as costly because the 300 SL and a tough promote. Even celeb house owners like Elvis Presley and Prince Ranier of Monaco couldn’t save the 507.
BMW reportedly misplaced cash on each automobile it made, and the place Hoffman initially envisioned 1000’s could be offered, however that sadly by no means occurred. The 507’s failure was one in all a number of monetary challenges that nearly pushed BMW to the brink. The success of the quirky Isetta microcar and a few strategic monetary interventions saved the lights on within the manufacturing facility.
BMW 507: Value & Collectibility
Though the 507 almost put BMW out of enterprise, it helped redefine the corporate’s future. Its clear traces, elegant front-engine rear-drive proportions, and grand touring spirit could be embraced by roadster fashions many years later.
The compact and playful 1996 BMW Z3’s lengthy hood and quick decklid drew inspiration from the 507. The BMW Z8, designed by Henrik Fisker and powered by an M5-derived V8 took took issues a step additional with a cleaner aesthetic and aluminium area body. The BMW Z4, which adopted in 2002 and continues to be in manufacturing, has spanned three generations and follows the identical tried and examined method of an open-seat two-seater sports activities automobile. The large kidney grille on the most recent Z4 harkens again to the 507.
Then, the 507 has left an indelible mark in automotive historical past, and after being ignored for many years, the 507 has now ascended to collector automobile royalty. Provided that solely 252 examples have been produced, with even fewer in unique situation, unique BMW 507s command wherever between $2-$5 million. Whereas most 507s dwell in museums or collections, a handful are usually used throughout classic rallies. duPont REGISTRY at present has not one, however two BMW 507s listed on the market, presenting a wonderful alternative to accumulate one of many world’s most lovely roadsters.
Matching quantity automobiles, rudge wheels, manufacturing facility onerous tops, and unrestored cabins add important worth. Automobiles restored by the likes of specialists like Kienle or Brummer command a premium. Early automobiles with smaller trunks and easier dashboards are sometimes categorized as Sequence I fashions, whereas up to date automobiles that got here later are labeled as Sequence II. BMW previously didn’t distinguish between the 2.
Comparable Fifties Grand Touring Roadsters
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
Manufacturing Years: 1957–1963
Manufacturing Numbers: 1858
Common Market Worth (Previous 5 Years): $1.4M
Jaguar XKSS
Manufacturing Years: 1957
Manufacturing Numbers: 16
Common Market Worth (Previous 5 Years): $ 2.2 M+
The place the 300 SL supplied related ranges of celeb cachet and class, it was fairly frequent in comparison with the 507. The XKSS, rarer and extra unique, was owned by the likes of Steve McQueen, and is actually a repurposed Le Mans automobile. The 507 fell someplace in-between, elegant and sporty.
Picture Supply: BMW Group Traditional
FAQs
1. How Many BMW 507s are left?
A. Of the 252 examples constructed, round 200 are believed to outlive as we speak, a lot of which have been restored and are within the arms of collectors.
2. Why is the BMW 507 so costly?
A. The 507’s excessive worth is because of its rarity, aluminium physique, timeless styling, and affiliation with Elvis Presley, making it one of the coveted post-war European roadsters.
3. How a lot did the Elvis BMW 507 promote for?
A. Elvis Presley’s totally restored BMW 507 didn’t go to public sale. As a substitute, BMW Group Traditional has showcased it as a heritage automobile, making the market worth speculative.
4. How uncommon is the BMW 507?
A. The BMW 507 could be very uncommon. Solely 252 items have been constructed throughout its three-year manufacturing run between 1956 and 1959.
