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Details
1957 BMW 507 SERIES I SPORTS TWO-SEATER
Chassis No. 70073
Engine No. 40059
Sapphire blue with dark blue interior
Engine: V-8 90 degree overhead valve, 3,168cc, 140bhp at 5,000rpm; Gearbox: four-speed manual; Suspension: front independent, rear live axle; Brakes: hydraulic front and rear drum. Left hand drive.
Apart from one special prototype, only 254 Type 507s were built, so the most outstanding BMW design is also one of the rarest. As each 507 was hand-built and running changes were continually incorporated during the model's brief life, the 507s were never a commonly mass produced sports car.
The enthusiasm of Max Hoffman, the American importer, encouraged Count Albrecht Goertz to finish his beautiful two-seater light alloy design, which appeared at the Paris show in 1955. Powered by BMW's first aluminum V8 with a capacity of 3,168 cc, a four-speed gearbox, torsion bar suspension and finned Alfin brakes, the car would run at 125mph with the standard 3:7 final drive.
Unfortunately, BMW's 507 was marketed at the wrong time and at the wrong price for a country slowly recovering from war. And when exported, it suffered when compared to the Jaguar XK150 which cost half the price and produced 210bhp versus the 507's 140bhp. A mere 2 years and 253 cars later, production ended. But the car remains the most memorable BMW of these years and it gave the firm's fortunes a boost by reviving its pre-war reputation for quick, stylish and durable road cars with impeccable engineering credentials.
The car on offer here was recently imported into the U.S. from Europe where it was part of an important collection. The paint, although mostly original, has discolored, is bubbling and shows evidence of some touch-up work. Much of the chrome is in need of restoration. The vendor describes the car as running 'nicely' and upon recent inspection the car appeared to be largely original, but would benefit from some cosmetic attention. It is eligible for the currently popular Colorado Grand and California Mille-type long distance touring events.
Chassis No. 70073
Engine No. 40059
Sapphire blue with dark blue interior
Engine: V-8 90 degree overhead valve, 3,168cc, 140bhp at 5,000rpm; Gearbox: four-speed manual; Suspension: front independent, rear live axle; Brakes: hydraulic front and rear drum. Left hand drive.
Apart from one special prototype, only 254 Type 507s were built, so the most outstanding BMW design is also one of the rarest. As each 507 was hand-built and running changes were continually incorporated during the model's brief life, the 507s were never a commonly mass produced sports car.
The enthusiasm of Max Hoffman, the American importer, encouraged Count Albrecht Goertz to finish his beautiful two-seater light alloy design, which appeared at the Paris show in 1955. Powered by BMW's first aluminum V8 with a capacity of 3,168 cc, a four-speed gearbox, torsion bar suspension and finned Alfin brakes, the car would run at 125mph with the standard 3:7 final drive.
Unfortunately, BMW's 507 was marketed at the wrong time and at the wrong price for a country slowly recovering from war. And when exported, it suffered when compared to the Jaguar XK150 which cost half the price and produced 210bhp versus the 507's 140bhp. A mere 2 years and 253 cars later, production ended. But the car remains the most memorable BMW of these years and it gave the firm's fortunes a boost by reviving its pre-war reputation for quick, stylish and durable road cars with impeccable engineering credentials.
The car on offer here was recently imported into the U.S. from Europe where it was part of an important collection. The paint, although mostly original, has discolored, is bubbling and shows evidence of some touch-up work. Much of the chrome is in need of restoration. The vendor describes the car as running 'nicely' and upon recent inspection the car appeared to be largely original, but would benefit from some cosmetic attention. It is eligible for the currently popular Colorado Grand and California Mille-type long distance touring events.