After 43 years secured a Philadelphia garage, this unusual 1957 BMW 507 Roadster Series II is headed to a Bonhams auction in Newport, Rhode Island, set up for September 30.
Wearing chassis number 70059, this automobile was initially delivered to Caracas, Venezuela, according to BMW Blog. It was after that offered to a Montreal local, and after that bought by the late father of the present seller in 1979. It was sometimes fired up, however hasn’t been driven since then, according to the auction listing.The 507 continues to be in
unrestored problem, using Pontiac Bright Blue Metallic paint from a 1970s respray, according to BMW Blog. Yet Bonhams says the car is or else mostly initial, with a numbers-matching engine, Rudge wheels, as well as a removable hardtop.
1957 BMW 507 Roadster Series II (picture through Bonhams) BMW made the 507 to complete in the growing postwar U.S. market, where it competed against the rival Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. Beautiful bodywork developed by Count Albrecht Graf von Goertz was coupled with a 3.2-liter V-8 that made 150 hp.While it did draw in wealthy proprietors, including Elvis Presley , the 507 was a sales flop. With just 252 made, it’s now among the rarest BMWs ever before made. BMW itself had a hard time in the postwar years, and also would not discover security till it changed from developing low-volume deluxe automobiles to extra budget friendly versions, exhibited by the Neue Klasse series of the 1960s.
Bonhams expects this 507 to cost between $1.8 million and also $2.2 million, which would not be out of line with previous 507 deals. In 2018, the public auction house marketed a 507 that belonged to the late Formula 1 champion John Surtees for $4.5 million, as well as an example formerly possessed by 507 designer von Goertz. That cars and truck sold for $2.8 million.