A fantastically restored 1959 BMW 507 has simply popped up on the market on Carry-a-Trailer, giving automobile collectors a uncommon likelihood to bid on some of the 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 industrial 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 rapidly grew to become coated in lipstick messages from followers that he had it repainted crimson. That form of historical past, mixed with the automobile’s magnificence, has made the 507 some of the 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 A long time of American and European Historical past
This automobile is believed to have been delivered new to the US, 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 personal collector owned it from the early Nineteen 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 authentic coloration. A recent tan leather-based inside was fitted to enhance the refreshed silver-painted metal wheels with polished hubcaps. A brand new tan convertible smooth high was additionally put in, together with period-correct Michelin Pilote tires.
Restored with an Eye for Authenticity
The BaT itemizing says that this Sequence II BMW 507 retains its manufacturing facility updates, together with a smaller relocated gasoline tank positioned contained in the trunk to stop gasoline fumes from getting into the cabin. The inside displays basic BMW magnificence, that includes:
- A Becker Mexico radio, rebuilt to trendy practical 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 stress
- An identical tan leather-trimmed dashboard, rebuilt seats, and color-keyed carpeting
Mechanical Particulars: A Recent 3.2L V8 and ZF 4-Pace Handbook
Underneath the hood, energy comes from a substitute 3,168cc aluminum V8, paired with a four-speed ZF guide transmission. Whereas not the unique matching-numbers engine, this rebuilt aluminum V8 options period-correct twin Zenith carburetors, which had been totally refreshed through the restoration. Further mechanical work included a brand new cooling and heating system, rebuilt entrance suspension with double wishbones and an anti-roll bar, and rather more.
On the time of posting, there are 9 bids on the automobile with the public sale value 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]
