1956 BMW 507 – Exterior and Interior – BMW Museum München 2022
In 1956, BMW attempted something bold: a hand-built V8 roadster aimed directly at the American market. The BMW 507 was elegant, technically refined, and expensive to produce. It would become one of the most admired BMWs ever built—though not for the reasons originally intended.
Technical Details:
The 1956 BMW 507 was powered by a front-mounted 3,168 cc (3.2-litre) aluminum V8 engine derived from the unit used in the BMW 502. In 507 specification, the engine featured dual carburetors and produced approximately 150 horsepower at around 5,000 rpm. This output enabled a top speed in the region of 190–200 km/h (118–124 mph), depending on gearing and conditions.
Power was delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox. The drivetrain followed a conventional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, but the engine’s all-aluminum construction helped keep weight relatively moderate for a V8-powered sports car of the era.
The chassis was based on a shortened version of the 502’s platform, with a separate frame and independent front suspension. A live rear axle with torsion bar suspension was fitted at the rear. Hydraulic drum brakes were used on all four wheels. While not revolutionary in layout, the 507’s engineering prioritized smooth power delivery and grand touring capability over raw racing performance.
- Manufacturer: BMW
- Model Name: BMW 507
- Year of Manufacturing: 1956
Design:
The BMW 507’s design is widely regarded as one of the most successful in BMW’s history. Styled by Albrecht von Goertz, the car combined long, flowing proportions with restrained detailing. The elongated bonnet, short rear deck, and low windscreen created a classic roadster silhouette.
At the front, the signature BMW kidney grille was integrated smoothly into a wide, horizontal opening. Subtle chrome accents emphasized the car’s contours without overwhelming its clean lines. The aluminum body panels were hand-formed, contributing both to the car’s aesthetic refinement and to its high production costs.
Inside, the cabin reflected a balance of sportiness and elegance. A body-colored metal dashboard housed centrally positioned instruments, while leather upholstery and a simple three-spoke steering wheel reinforced the car’s driver-focused character. The overall design communicated exclusivity without excess ornamentation.
Historical Significance:
The BMW 507 was conceived as a halo model for export, particularly to the United States. The project was encouraged by American importer Max Hoffman, who believed a stylish V8 roadster could successfully compete with contemporary European sports cars and American luxury convertibles.
However, production costs proved far higher than anticipated. The hand-built aluminum body and relatively complex engineering meant the 507 could not be sold at its intended price. As a result, the final retail price rose significantly, limiting demand. Between 1956 and 1959, only 252 examples were produced.
Although commercially unsuccessful, the BMW 507 had long-term strategic importance. Its financial losses contributed to BMW’s precarious situation in the late 1950s, a period that would later see the company rescued by new investment and the success of models like the BMW Isetta and the BMW 700. In hindsight, the 507 became a design and brand icon rather than a sales success.
Quirks and Pop Culture:
The BMW 507 gained additional fame through celebrity ownership. One of its most well-known owners was Elvis Presley, who purchased a 507 during his military service in Germany. Stories surrounding his car—particularly its later rediscovery and restoration—have contributed significantly to the model’s mystique.
At launch, the 507 was often compared visually to other high-end roadsters of the era, yet its restrained German design set it apart from more flamboyant contemporaries. Over time, the car’s rarity and clean proportions elevated it to collector status. Today, surviving examples command exceptionally high values at auctions and are regarded as one of BMW’s most beautiful creations.
Display and preservation:
This vehicle was exhibited at the BMW Museum. The museum is located in Munich, Germany, next to the company’s headquarters and the BMW Welt, near the Olympiapark. It first opened in 1973, shortly after the Munich Olympic Games, and was extensively renovated and reopened in 2008. The museum presents around 120 exhibits, including automobiles, motorcycles, engines, and design studies from BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Unlike many automobile museums that focus mainly on vehicles, the BMW Museum is organized thematically, linking technology, design, and corporate history. Its distinctive bowl-shaped building is also a notable architectural feature.
Conclusion:
The 1956 BMW 507 stands as a paradox in BMW’s history. Technically refined and elegantly designed, it failed commercially due to high production costs and limited market demand. Yet its 3.2-litre V8 engine, hand-formed aluminum body, and timeless proportions secured it a lasting legacy. More than six decades later, the BMW 507 remains a benchmark of mid-century automotive design and a defining icon in the evolution of the BMW brand.
