A 1957 BMW 507 Roadster sold for more than $5 million at the recent Bonham auction at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The final price not only doubled the car’s pre-auction estimate — it was expected to fetch around $2.5 million — it also blew past the highest price ever paid for a BMW 507 by more than $2 million.

How many BMW 507 are left?

Designed by Albrecht von Goertz, the BMW 507 is considered by many to be the prettiest car ever made—and with only 202 cars still known to exist—one of the rarest.

Did Elvis own a BMW 507?

Elvis first car in Germany was an old Volkswagen which he eventually gave to his German karate instructor, Jurgen Seydel. On December 21 1958, Elvis leased a BMW 507 from BMW Glöckler. The car was a ‘used’ one and Elvis knew this, formerly driven by racing ace Hans Stuck.

What is the history of the BMW 507?

The BMW 507 was conceived by U.S. automobile importer Max Hoffman who, in 1954, persuaded the BMW management to produce a roadster version of the BMW 501 and BMW 502 saloons to fill the gap between the expensive Mercedes-Benz 300SL and the cheap and underpowered Triumph and MG sports cars.

Who is the BMW 507 Max Hoffman?

Not to be confused with the WW1 strategist Max Hoffmann, the Max Hoffman in the story of the BMW 507 was an Austrian born, US car importer in New York. Through his knowledge of the booming post-war American market, he made suggestions to European car manufacturers regarding the ideal car makes to target the US market.

What kind of brakes does a BMW 507 have?

The brakes were Alfin drum brakes of 284.5 mm (11.2 in) diameter, and power brakes were optional. Late-model 507s had front Girling disc brakes. & Pirelli 185VR16 Cinturato radial tyres. The engine was BMW’s aluminium alloy OHV V8, of 3,168 cubic centimetres (193.3 cu in) displacement, with pushrod -operated overhead valves.

What happened to John Surtees’ BMW 507?

A truly remarkable driver got the BMW 507 as a gift by Count Augusta when he won the world championship on an MV Augusta motorcycle. John Surtees kept his 507 till the end of his life in 2017.