BMW 507 Auction Gem

A Vintage Marvel: BMW 507

Sometimes, getting your hands on a vintage BMW is like entering a time machine. BMW’s classics just have this timeless way of pairing sleek design with raw, exhilarating power. Take the 1959 BMW 507 Series II, for instance. It’s a beautifully rare piece of machinery, blending sophisticated lines with serious performance. This particular model, currently up for grabs at auction, is a perfect showcase of that legendary Bavarian engineering.

Classic Hits

The origin story is fascinating. BMW rolled out the 507 in response to U.S. importer Max Hoffman’s idea for a mid-level sports car aimed at the American market. This beauty first dazzled the crowd at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in NYC back in 1955. When the Series II version appeared in 1957, it had some refined tweaks, like a repositioned fuel tank for better cabin air quality.

This car, identified as Chassis 70185, is rare – only 252 units were ever built over its three-year run. Originally painted in Feather White, it was delivered new to Germany in 1958. A makeover around 2012 gave it a fresh coat of Coral Red and an ivory hardtop. Fast forward to 2022, and German specialists gave its interior a luxurious tan leather facelift.

Power and Grace

Underneath its elegant frame lies a brawny 3,168 cc V8 engine, crafted with an aluminum block and cylinder heads. Twin Zenith carburetors work with a four-speed manual gearbox to channel that power. The ride rolls on 16-inch Rudge wheels and features a braking system combining Dunlop discs at the front and drums at the rear. The cabin is a nostalgic throwback with its tan leather and an ivory steering wheel, topped off with a vintage Becker Mexico radio. The odometer clocks about 21,000 miles, which shows this gem spends more time as a showpiece than a road warrior.

Thoughts

Currently, the auction for this sweetheart has 9 days left, and the highest bid has already hit a cool million dollars. This might be out of reach for most, but it’s clear this BMW is more than just any collector’s item. Rare cars sometimes fall into the trap of becoming garage queens, rarely stretching their legs on the open road. This particular 507 barely clocked 25 miles since it was last acquired. It’s a shame not to enjoy such a masterpiece for its true purpose: driving. Let’s hope its next owner takes it out to experience what makes these vintage BMWs so exceptional.