1956 BMW 507
The BMW 507 was born in the mid-1950s out of BMW’s ambition to penetrate the American sports car market. Max Hoffman, a renowned importer of European luxury cars in the United States, saw an opportunity for BMW to create a vehicle that could rival the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Hoffman persuaded BMW to develop a roadster that would appeal to wealthy American buyers seeking both performance and luxury.
Albrecht von Goertz, a German-American designer celebrated for his work on both cars and industrial design, was tasked with creating the BMW 507’s timeless aesthetic. Von Goertz envisioned a design that blended European sophistication with American flair. The 507’s silhouette is characterized by its elongated hood, low stance, and graceful curves that exude a sense of speed and elegance. The front-end design prominently features BMW’s iconic kidney grille, flanked by streamlined headlights and complemented by subtle chrome accents that enhance its luxurious appearance. Inside, the 507 boasted a sumptuous interior crafted with high-quality materials, including leather upholstery and a finely detailed wooden dashboard, emphasizing both comfort and craftsmanship.
At the heart of the BMW 507 lay a 3.2-liter aluminum-alloy V8 engine derived from BMW’s 502 sedan. This engine, equipped with dual carburetors, produced around 150 horsepower, delivering robust performance for its time. Coupled with a four-speed manual transmission, the 507 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 10 seconds and achieve a top speed of about 122 mph (196 km/h). The car’s chassis featured an advanced suspension setup—front independent suspension with torsion bars and a rear live axle with semi-elliptic springs—that provided a balanced ride and responsive handling, making it equally adept at spirited driving and long-distance cruising.
Despite its technical prowess and stunning design, the BMW 507 faced challenges during its production period. High manufacturing costs led to a retail price that was significantly higher than its competitors, limiting its market appeal. Between 1956 and 1959, only 252 units of the BMW 507 were produced, cementing its status as a rare and exclusive collector’s item.
Today, the BMW 507 is revered as one of the most coveted classic cars among enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Well-maintained examples of the 507 command substantial prices at auctions, often reaching several million dollars. The value of a BMW 507 can vary based on factors such as its condition, originality, provenance, and completeness of restoration. Exceptional models with documented histories, low mileage, and meticulous preservation have been known to fetch the highest prices, underscoring the car’s enduring allure and historical significance.
The BMW 507 remains a pinnacle of automotive design and engineering, celebrated for its blend of performance, luxury, and rarity. From its iconic design penned by Albrecht von Goertz to its potent V8 engine and exquisite interior craftsmanship, the 507 epitomizes the golden age of sports car manufacturing. Its limited production numbers and prestigious reputation ensure that the BMW 507 continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors as a symbol of automotive excellence and timeless elegance.