1957 BMW 507 Roadster Series I
Created as BMW’s halo car to elevate the company’s sporting reputation, this rare roadster saw production of just 252 examples before ending in 1959.
With a retail price exceeding $11,000 (nearly double its target), the 507 attracted famous owners including Elvis Presley and motorsports icon John Surtees.
Count Albrecht von Goertz designed the striking bodywork featuring BMW’s signature twin kidney grille, sculpted front fenders with distinctive shark gill vents, and flowing lines that established one of the company’s most celebrated designs. The long, low proportions emphasized elegance while maintaining sporting character.
Power came from a 3.2-liter (3168cc) overhead-valve aluminum V8 producing 150 horsepower through twin Zenith carburetors, paired with a four-speed synchromesh transmission. The roadster could reach top speeds between 125-135 mph depending on rear axle ratio and accelerated from 0-60 mph in under 10 seconds.
The chassis featured independent front suspension with double wishbones and torsion bars, and hydraulic drum brakes all around (disc brakes were not fitted to production models).
Though financially challenging for BMW, the 507 successfully repositioned the company from microcar manufacturer to serious sports car builder, setting the foundation for BMW’s modern performance luxury reputation.
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