A fantastically restored 1959 BMW 507 has simply popped up on the market on Convey-a-Trailer, giving automobile collectors a uncommon probability to bid on one of the vital stunning basic BMWs ever made. With solely round 250 examples produced, the 507 was BMW’s reply to the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, mixing elegant hand-built aluminum bodywork with a smooth-revving V8 and an unmistakable roadster silhouette. Initially meant to crack the American sports activities automobile market, the 507’s excessive manufacturing prices meant it by no means grew to become the business success BMW hoped for—however its exclusivity solely made it extra legendary.
The 507’s most well-known proprietor? Elvis Presley, who purchased one whereas stationed in Germany and inadvertently fueled its cult standing. The legend says his automobile was initially white however shortly grew to become coated in lipstick messages from followers that he had it repainted pink. That sort of historical past, mixed with the automobile’s magnificence, has made the 507 one of the vital fascinating basic BMWs ever constructed.
Now, chassis 70205, a surprising Silver Blue instance, is being supplied with a wealthy transatlantic historical past, together with time spent within the U.S. earlier than present process a concours-level restoration in Germany. With solely 384 kilometers (~240 miles) pushed since its refurbishment, this 507 is able to take middle stage in any high-end assortment.
A BMW 507 with Many years of American and European Historical past
This automobile is believed to have been delivered new to america, the place it later surfaced in Staten Island, New York, within the Sixties. It remained in New York for many years earlier than receiving a repaint in black through the late Eighties. A non-public collector owned it from the early Nineties till 2021, at which level it was despatched to Göttingen, Germany, for a full restoration again to its factory-correct Silver Blue end.
The restoration was meticulous, beginning with a full strip-down of the aluminum physique, adopted by panel repairs, new rubber seals, replated brightwork, and a Glasurit-finished paint job in its unique colour. A contemporary tan leather-based inside was fitted to enhance the refreshed silver-painted metal wheels with polished hubcaps. A brand new tan convertible tender high was additionally put in, together with period-correct Michelin Pilote tires.
Restored with an Eye for Authenticity
The BaT itemizing says that this Collection II BMW 507 retains its manufacturing facility updates, together with a smaller relocated gasoline tank positioned contained in the trunk to forestall gasoline fumes from coming into the cabin. The inside displays basic BMW magnificence, that includes:
- A Becker Mexico radio, rebuilt to fashionable purposeful requirements
- A brand new electrically operated antenna
- Roll-up home windows and an offset gear shifter, period-correct for the mannequin
- VDO instrumentation, together with a 240-km/h speedometer, a 6k-rpm tachometer, and inset gauges for coolant temperature, gasoline degree, and oil strain
- An identical tan leather-trimmed dashboard, rebuilt seats, and color-keyed carpeting
Mechanical Particulars: A Recent 3.2L V8 and ZF 4-Velocity Guide
Beneath the hood, energy comes from a alternative 3,168cc aluminum V8, paired with a four-speed ZF handbook transmission. Whereas not the unique matching-numbers engine, this rebuilt aluminum V8 options period-correct twin Zenith carburetors, which have been totally refreshed through the restoration. Extra mechanical work included a brand new cooling and heating system, rebuilt entrance suspension with double wishbones and an anti-roll bar, and way more.
On the time of posting, there are 9 bids on the automobile with the public sale worth already as much as 300,000 euros which isn’t shocking contemplating some earlier 507s offered for over $2,000,000. [Top Image provided by Bring-a-Trailer for media use]
