The BMW 507 is the legendary aluminium-bodied V8 roadster BMW built between 1956 and 1959, and this particular 1957 BMW 507 Series II surfaced after sitting hidden in a Philadelphia garage for more than 40 years. With only 252 ever made, a matching-numbers V8 and a single-family history, this barn-find roadster is one of the rarest classic cars ever to resurface.
Why is the BMW 507 so rare?
Just 252 BMW 507 roadsters were built between 1956 and 1960. The car immediately became a favourite of the wealthy and famous, with Elvis Presley and members of royal families waiting in line to buy one. Designed by Albrecht von Goertz, the 507 was so expensive to build that BMW lost money on every example, a story documented in detail on Wikipedia's BMW 507 history.
The story of this 1957 BMW 507 Series II
This 1957 507 had the exact opposite history of a pampered show car: it was imported to Philadelphia in the late 1970s and then languished in a garage for more than 40 years, barely ever being started.
This example could live such a quiet life because the family who owned it owned other 507s that were regularly driven, so this particular roadster was simply kept aside.
What makes this 507 roadster special?
The vehicle still has a matching-numbers V8 engine and four-speed ZF transmission. Some time in the 1970s it received a repaint that gave it its current Pontiac Bright Blue Metallic colour. Only 11 of the 507s were shipped from the factory with a hardtop, each one customised for its individual car, so it is unknown whether this hardtop is a factory option.
The vehicle was auctioned in September 2022 at a Bonhams event in Newport, Rhode Island.
Where to find classic and coachbuilt cars at TheArsenale
If the 507 speaks to your love of timeless design, TheArsenale curates collectible cars in the same spirit. Browse modern restomods like the Nardone 928 Porsche 928 restomod and the Project M Ferrari 308 GTS restomod, or the coachbuilt Rolls-Royce Dawn Venuum Eros convertible.
Discover more rare and collectible machines in the full TheArsenale cars collection.
