1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
There’s no denying the BMW 507 is one of the most famous cars in the history of the Bavarian brand. That’s probably mainly because of the celebrity status of its clientele, which includes Elvis Presley, who bought two of the 254 units built. With its highly limited availability, finding one for sale these days is a very rare opportunity, and that’s why we decided to share this particular one with you.
This Series II example is the 110th 507 built. Considering the rarity of any 507, this sultry example is further distinguished by the factory color “Silbergrau” metallic silver, one of just 21 examples finished in this elegant color.
Under the hood, the BMW V8 engine is a symphony of correct detail utilizing original accessories and properly finished hardware. While at BMW Classic Center the engine and engine compartment were restored and detailed to a high standard and great care has since been continuously given to preserve these authentic finishes. Although some miles and time have passed since completion, the engine presents exquisitely even under show-level scrutiny as both cosmetic and operational diligence has been fastidiously commissioned with top-tier professionals. A set of factory original tools reside in a dedicated storage box built into the engine compartment in front of the firewall – a clever original feature exceeding even the finest classic cars that often barely offer a small fabric rollup set of tools. Inspection of the undercarriage further validates the quality of the restoration from top to bottom. Not only has this car benefited from an expert restoration, the ongoing care and detailing have since continually preserved the quality of the finishes even on the undercarriage.
The interior is beautifully presented with rich, taut leather, offering an elegant sporting red hue that commands any viewers attention. The leather is beautifully creased, stitched, and tailored with exceptional details including stitched finger pulls, hand crank chrome plated window handles, and wrapped leather grab handles. The interior is elegantly trimmed with the seats showing just a hint of use, slightly relaxed by fortunate drivers and delighted passengers. The correctly trimmed low pile carpeting is in excellent condition, showing only mild evidence of use in the driver’s footwell. The black canvas convertible top raises and lowers easily with tight fit to the windshield and excellent material finish inside and out. The dashboard sports an elegant array of vividly restored gauges with crisp lettering and bright numeric indication. Further details include a Becker Europa radio, matching red speaker grille and instrument binnacle surround, and the gorgeous ivory white steering with four spokes encircled by the perimeter rim emulating the high-speed prop spin as a herald of BMWs aviation heritage, just as their logo conveys. The stunning and elegant interior continues to the lining and finishes in the trunk compartment which offers ample room for more than weekend luggage as well as a full-sized matching date coded Rudge wheel spare. Here too, as with the rest of the car, one can admire the attention to detail in the underside trunk finish and inner side panels.
Collected by some of the most distinguished and discerning connoisseurs, the magnificent BMW 507 Series II will forever remain an unrivaled icon of unparalleled automotive beauty and sophisticated elegance. Representing the absolute premier moment of automotive excellence which established the BMW legacy in North America and eventually the world, this beautiful example serves as the ultimate ambassador of elegant performance motoring. Supported by the BMW Classic Expertise “Black Book”, with mechanical refurbishment by BMW Classic, and confirmed by BMW Classic Zertifikat, this stunning 507 represents a rare opportunity to acquire a sports car of unprecedented elegance, expert authentic restoration, and unparalleled design.
So a sharp, concours-ready example it was not. It might be quite usable for tours and rallies, but it mostly seemed to be offered as a conversational piece. And by the conventional rules of collecting and value, a rather large premium may have been paid for those chatting rights.
