This 1957 BMW 507 is the 77th of 254 built. It is one of 15 finished in black. The car was initially delivered in September of 1957 at the Casa Dell Automobile, in Rome. The car was imported to the U.S. in 2000.
The BMW 507 was conceived by U.S. importer Max Hoffman who, in 1954, persuaded the BMW management to produce a roadster version of the BMW 501 and BMW 502 saloons. The car was to fill the gap between the expensive Mercedes-Benz 300 SL and the cheaper Triumph and MG sports cars.
Designed by Count Albrecht Goertz the 507 Roadster wears aluminum coachwork and is propelled by a 3.2 liter V-8 engine and a four-speed transmission. It was equipped with the detachable hard top and the Rudge wheels.
Design and Features
- Designer: Albrecht von Goertz
- Body Style: 2-door roadster
- Chassis: The 507 featured an aluminum body, which contributed to its lightweight design.
- Interior: The interior was luxurious for its time, with leather upholstery and a minimalist yet stylish dashboard.
Performance
- Engine: 3.2-liter V8 engine
- Power Output: Approximately 150 horsepower
- Transmission: 4-speed manual transmission
- Top Speed: Around 122 mph (196 km/h)
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in about 10 seconds
Production and Legacy
- Production Years: 1956-1959
- Total Units Produced: Only 252 units were made, making it a rare collector's item.
- Price: Originally, the car was quite expensive, priced at around $10,000 in the late 1950s.
Significance
- Cultural Impact: The BMW 507 is often celebrated as one of the most beautiful cars ever made and has a strong following among classic car enthusiasts.
- Famous Owners: Notable owners included Elvis Presley, who had two BMW 507s during his time in Germany.
Challenges
- Cost: The high production cost led to its limited production run and eventual financial difficulties for BMW during that period.
- Market Competition: The car was intended to compete with the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, but it was priced higher and couldn't achieve the same sales success.
You may purchase a print of the 1957 BMW 507 in our dElegance 2018 online gallery.
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