The BMW 507 Roadster was created to compete with British and Italian sports activities automobiles of the period. In the crucially vital American market, the BMW 507 mixed elegant styling with V8 efficiency. Its glossy aluminium physique was designed by Albrecht von Goertz, mixing traditional proportions with fashionable aptitude. However, it struggled to search out patrons.
Originally supposed as a extra reasonably priced sports activities automobile to spice up BMW’s sporting image, manufacturing prices soared attributable to its hand-crafted aluminium physique and low-volume manufacturing. Pitched towards the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, it ended up costing way more. Despite a classy suspension setup and a 150bhp 3.2-litre V8 engine, in the end fewer than 250 discovered houses.
We noticed this iconic 1957 BMW 507 Roadster on the 2025 Concours of Elegance held at Hampton Court Palace. This automobile was one in all many who grabbed my consideration. You can see rather more Concours of Elegance content material here, and movies on our YouTube Concours of Elegance playlist.
Chassis 70103 was accomplished on October 16, 1957, making it one of many earliest Series 2 fashions. Information from BMW Group Classic confirms it was first delivered in black, one in all solely 15 automobiles completed in that color.
Owners Through the Decades
Helmut Müller of Oberstdorf owned the automobile from December 1957. It isn’t recognized when he offered it on or to whom it was offered, however the 507 Roadster was subsequent bought by Karl Heinz Oehler from Berlin. Oehler owned it from November 1966 to March 1967, earlier than passing it on to Firma Sport Hölme, additionally in Berlin, till October 1968.
From then till June 1972, it belonged to the Rasthaus Hotel, owned by Günter and Anneliese Neef in Gütersloh. Original BMW service information affirm intensive work was carried out on the Munich manufacturing unit in 1969 and 1971. This work concerned many hundreds of Deutsche Marks.
A Passionate Collector’s Dream
After that, it was acquired by American expatriate Patrick M Gould, whose residences included Rockport in Maine, San Remo in Italy, and Paris in France. Gould, a passionate automotive fanatic, corresponded with BMW specialist Gottfried Liechti in Switzerland. He praised the 507 as ‘probably the most lovely automobile ever constructed’ and acquired helpful recommendation on its care.
Between October and December 1972, the automobile underwent a complete restoration at San Remo’s Autocarrozzeria Alfa. This required over 600 hours of labor and price roughly 2.1 million Lire. During this time, the automobile was repainted purple, bearing an American plate from Maine.
Gould owned the automobile till December 1983, when it handed to his cousin in Lausanne, Switzerland, who stored it till 2019. It then handed to its present proprietor, who has undertaken a full restoration to its authentic black livery.
Specifications
Engine: 3168cc/V8/ naturally aspirated/SOHC
Transmission: Four-speed guide, RWD
Power: 150bhp
Torque: 155lb ft
Top Speed: 127mph
0-60mph: 8.5secs
Weight: 1250kg
Conclusion
The 1957 BMW 507 Roadster Series II stands as a shining reminder of what occurs when artistry meets ambition. Though its manufacturing run was quick and its gross sales struggled towards rivals, the automobile’s sculpted aluminium physique, free-revving V8, and simple class secured its place among the many world’s most coveted classics.
Today, with fewer than 250 examples constructed, every restored mannequin tells a narrative not solely of rarity however of ardour, craftsmanship, and timeless design. For collectors and fans alike, the 507 is greater than only a automobile; it’s a rolling masterpiece. It continues to encourage admiration almost seven many years on.
What do you suppose – is the BMW 507 probably the most lovely roadster ever constructed? Would you choose it over its rival, the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL? And should you had the possibility to personal one, would you retain it authentic or customise it to your style?
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The submit Remarkable Reasons The BMW 507 Roadster Remains A Timeless Icon appeared first on My Car Heaven.
