The BMW 507 is a classic two-seat roadster produced by BMW in the late 1950s. It was designed as a luxury sports car for drivers who wanted style and performance in one package. Its elegant shape, powerful V8 engine, and rare production numbers made it one of BMW’s most famous classic cars.
What makes the BMW 507 so special is its combination of beauty and rarity. Very few examples were produced, which makes the car highly desirable among collectors today. Its flowing body lines and open-top design still look impressive even decades after its launch.
In this article, we will explore the history, design, engine, and performance of the BMW 507. We will also look at its interior, specifications, production story, and why it became such an important part of BMW’s heritage.
BMW 507 Production Years
The BMW 507 was produced from 1956 to 1959. It was built as a luxury roadster for wealthy buyers. BMW wanted it to compete with stylish sports cars from other European brands.
Production numbers were very low. Only about 250 BMW 507s were produced during its short production run. Each car was largely hand-built, which increased both its quality and its cost.
The high price made the 507 difficult to sell when it was new. BMW eventually stopped production in 1959. Today, its short production run and limited numbers make it one of the rarest classic BMW models.
Exterior Design
The BMW 507 has a smooth and elegant exterior design. Its long hood, low body, and curved lines give it a sporty look. The two-seat roadster shape also makes it feel light and stylish.
At the front, the car features BMW’s famous kidney grille. Slim headlights and a clean bumper add to its classic appearance. The body was made from aluminum, which helped keep the car lighter.
The side profile is simple but attractive. Flowing fenders and a short rear section give the 507 a balanced shape. Even today, its design is considered one of the most beautiful in BMW history.
BMW 507 Interior
The BMW 507 interior has a simple and elegant design. It was made for two people and focused on comfort. The cabin feels sporty but still has a luxury look.
The dashboard has clear round gauges and easy-to-use controls. Leather seats and quality materials give the interior a premium feel. The steering wheel also adds to the classic style of the car.
Space inside is limited because the 507 is a small roadster. Still, the seating position is comfortable for relaxed driving. Its clean layout and timeless design make the cabin special even today.
BMW 507 Engine
The BMW 507 engine is one of the most important parts of the car. It uses a 3.2-liter V8 petrol engine. For its time, this engine offered strong and smooth performance.
The V8 produces around 150 horsepower. It is paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The engine gives the BMW 507 quick response and a sporty driving feel.
The engine was also lightweight because it used an aluminum design. This helped improve the car’s balance and handling. Today, the V8 is a major reason why collectors value the BMW 507.
Horsepower and Acceleration
The BMW 507 produces around 150 horsepower from its 3.2-liter V8 engine. This was a strong figure for a luxury roadster of its time. The engine delivers power in a smooth and controlled way.
The BMW 507 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 10 to 11 seconds. It may not seem very fast by modern standards. However, its performance was impressive during the late 1950s.
The lightweight body also helps the car feel responsive on the road. Its manual transmission gives the driver more control over the power. Together, the V8 engine and balanced design create an enjoyable classic driving experience.
Top Speed and Performance
The BMW 507 offered impressive performance for a sports car from the 1950s. Its top speed was around 122 mph (196 km/h). This made it a fast and exciting roadster for its time.
Its 3.2-liter V8 engine delivers power smoothly. The lightweight aluminum body also helps the car feel responsive. Drivers can enjoy steady acceleration and good control on open roads.
The BMW 507 was designed for more than just speed. It combined performance with comfort and elegant styling. This balance helped make it one of BMW’s most memorable classic sports cars.
BMW 507 Specifications
The BMW 507 specifications show why this roadster was special for its time. It used a 3.2-liter V8 engine with a four-speed manual transmission. The car also had a lightweight aluminum body and rear-wheel drive.
Some key specifications include:
- Engine: 3.2-liter V8
- Power: Around 150 horsepower
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
- Top Speed: About 122 mph
- Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
- Body Style: Two-seat roadster
- Production Years: 1956 to 1959
These features gave the BMW 507 a good mix of speed, style, and comfort. Its simple mechanical setup also made the driving experience feel direct and engaging. Today, these specifications remain an important part of its classic appeal.
Series I vs Series II
The BMW 507 Series I and Series II have almost the same classic appearance. However, BMW made several changes to the later Series II. These updates mainly improved comfort, seating, luggage space, and everyday usability.
Both versions are extremely rare and valuable today. Price depends more on condition, originality, history, and ownership than on the series alone. Well-preserved examples can be worth well over one million dollars.
| Feature | BMW 507 Series I | BMW 507 Series II |
| Production period | Early production | From 1957 onward |
| Production number | About 34 cars | Majority of production |
| Engine | 3.2-liter V8 | 3.2-liter V8 |
| Power | Around 150 hp | Around 150 hp |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual | 4-speed manual |
| Fuel tank | Larger tank | Smaller revised tank |
| Cabin space | More limited | Improved |
| Seat adjustment | Limited | Better adjustment |
| Dashboard | Earlier design | Revised design |
| Luggage space | Limited | Improved |
| Performance | Similar | Similar |
| Collector price | Often $1 million+ | Often $1 million to $2 million+ |
| Main advantage | Rarer early design | Better comfort and usability |
Driving and Handling
The BMW 507 offers a smooth and relaxed driving experience. Its lightweight body helps the car feel easy to control. The steering also gives the driver a direct feel of the road.
The car uses rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission. This gives it a classic sports car character. It feels balanced on open roads and remains stable at higher speeds.
The suspension is tuned more for comfort than aggressive cornering. Still, the BMW 507 feels responsive for a car from the 1950s. Its mix of comfort, control, and V8 power makes it enjoyable to drive.
Production Numbers and Rarity
The BMW 507 is one of the rarest classic BMW models ever made. Only 252 examples were built between 1956 and 1959. This very small production run makes the car difficult to find today.
BMW originally hoped to sell the 507 in much larger numbers. However, its high production cost and expensive price limited demand. Production ended after only a few years, leaving the model with a very low total build number.
Its rarity is now a major reason for its high collector value. Original cars with matching numbers and strong history are especially desirable. Series II models make up most of production, with 218 examples built.
Famous BMW 507 Owners
The BMW 507 attracted several famous buyers during and after its production years. Elvis Presley is the best-known owner. He bought a BMW 507 while serving with the U.S. Army in Germany.
Other well-known owners included racing legend John Surtees and actor Ursula Andress. Entertainer Fred Astaire and French actor Alain Delon were also linked with the model. These famous names helped build the car’s glamorous image.
The BMW 507 was expensive and rare even when it was new. This made it attractive to celebrities, racers, and wealthy collectors. Today, cars with an interesting ownership history can be especially desirable in the classic-car market.
BMW 507 Price and Value
The BMW 507 price is extremely high because the car is rare and highly collectible. A 1957 BMW 507 in good condition is currently valued at around $1.35 million by Hagerty. Better examples with original parts, strong history, or factory options can be worth much more.
The value depends on condition, originality, restoration quality, and ownership history. Cars with a factory hardtop or rare Rudge wheels may also receive a premium. Famous ownership can push the value even higher.
Top-quality BMW 507 models can reach $2 million or more at major collector-car sales. Because only a small number were built, demand remains strong among serious collectors. This rarity has helped the BMW 507 become one of the most valuable classic BMW cars.
Why the BMW 507 Is So Rare
The BMW 507 is rare because only 252 cars were built. Production lasted from 1956 to 1959. This very small number makes the car difficult to find today.
The main reason for low production was its high price. The car was expensive to build because it used an aluminum body and many hand-finished parts. As a result, fewer buyers could afford it.
Its short production run also increased its rarity. Many surviving cars are now kept in private collections or museums. This limited supply makes the BMW 507 highly desirable among classic car collectors.
Conclusion
The BMW 507 remains one of the most special cars in BMW history. Its elegant design, V8 engine, rare production, and strong performance helped make it a true classic. Even after many decades, it still attracts collectors and car enthusiasts around the world.
Its high value today shows how important the BMW 507 has become. It was not a major sales success when new, but its rarity later became one of its biggest strengths. For many people, the BMW 507 is now a perfect example of timeless design and classic German engineering.
FAQs
1. How many BMW 507 cars were made?
Only 252 BMW 507s were produced between 1956 and 1959, making it extremely rare.
2. What engine does the BMW 507 have?
The BMW 507 uses a 3.2-liter V8 engine that produces around 150 horsepower.
3. How fast is the BMW 507?
The BMW 507 has a top speed of about 122 mph (196 km/h).
4. How much is a BMW 507 worth today?
Many BMW 507 examples are valued at over $1 million, while exceptional cars can sell for $2 million or more.
5. Did Elvis Presley own a BMW 507?
Yes. Elvis Presley owned a BMW 507 while he was stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army.