Ludwig Hahn, Germany (acquired circa late 1960s)
Nicolaus Hahn, Germany (acquired from the above)
Erich Benz, Germany (acquired by 2005)
Jan Onne, Hamburg, Germany (acquired by 2011)
Phil White, Atherton, California (acquired by 2016)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)
Chassis: 70110
The Most Iconic and Collectible Postwar BMW
Desirable Series II Variant; One of Only 218 Examples Built
Delivered new to Venezuela, Finished in Silbergrau (Silver Grey)
Ideally Equipped with Optional Hardtop, Rudge Wheels, and Front Disc Brakes
Offered with BMW Classic Expertise Book, Tool Kit, Owner’s Manual, and Literature
Eligible for the Most Exclusive International Concours and Driving Events
3,168 CC OHV 90° Alloy V-8 Engine
Twin Zenith 32 NDIX Carburetors
150 BHP at 5,000 RPM
4-Speed ZF Manual Gearbox
Front Disc, Rear Drum Brakes
Front Independent Suspension with Parallel Wishbones and Torsion Bars
Rear Live Axle with Torsion Bars
When the Frankfurt Motor Show opened in late 1955, the principal BMW attractions were two new variations of the V-8 powered 502: the 503 and the 507. Though both models were designed by Count Albrecht von Goertz, it was the spectacular 507 roadster that stole the show.
The new BMW roadster was so pure and perfect from every angle that it immediately took its place among the all-time great automotive designs. Possessing sweeping, harmonious lines, a purposeful rendition of the classic kidney grille, unmistakable side vents, and aggressive rear haunches, the 507’s lightweight aluminum body appeared to be stretched over the mechanical underpinnings and evoked speed even when standing still. Not only did the 507 look like a true sports car, but it also performed like one. With a rigid box frame, upgraded suspension, four-speed synchromesh gearbox, and large Alfin drum brakes, the 507 possessed an ideal foundation for BMW’s robust twin-carb V-8 engine. Depending on the gear ratio selected, the 507 was capable of 125–135 mph and offered brilliant acceleration, reaching 0–60 mph in less than 10 seconds. Though the 507 was not designed with motor sports in mind, its performance was such that several examples were entered in major racing events including the Mille Miglia and the Tour de France.
Initially intended to fill a gap between the low-priced English imports and the phenomenally expensive Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, the 507 commanded a princely $8,988 in the US and 26,500 deutsche marks in Germany, making it one of the most exclusive cars of its day. As a result, the elegant BMW attracted celebrities as diverse as pop icon Elvis Presley and motor sports hero John Surtees.
It has often been said that development and production costs of the 507 would have bankrupted BMW were it not for their mass-produced Isetta and thriving motorcycle division. In fact, the flagship model was never intended as a moneymaker, but sought to reestablish the outstanding sporting reputation that the company had enjoyed prior to WWII with the legendary 328.
Production of the 507 commenced in November 1956 and ended in May 1959 after just 254 examples were built. While far from a commercial success, the 507 certainly accomplished BMW’s goal. Today, the limited-production V-8 roadster is surely the most desirable postwar model produced by the Munich-based company.
The BMW 507 presented here, chassis 70110, is a desirable Series II model, of which 218 examples were built.
The Series II 507s, initially developed as a separate model for the American market, became the production standard in mid-1957. They feature a revised dashboard layout, more streamlined stowage for the convertible top, and a relocated fuel tank that increased interior space, allowing the seats to be moved rearward to accommodate taller drivers. Later Series II models further benefited from the introduction of front disc brakes, which improved overall performance and safety.
As confirmed by a BMW Classic Zertifikat, 70110 was completed on January 14, 1958, finished in Silbergrau (Silver Grey) and factory equipped with a hardtop and exhaust tips. Of the 254 cars built, 21 were originally finished in Silbergrau, tied with Japan Red for the second most popular 507 color after Feather White. Upon completion, this 507 was displayed in the BMW Pavilion in Munich.
In May 1958, 70110 was shipped to Caracas, making it one of just 13 BMW 507s delivered new to oil-rich Venezuela. Interestingly, the official BMW importer during the 1950s was Gustavo Zingg, an influential German-born businessman who also served as the official representative for Mercedes-Benz in Venezuela. According to research obtained from the BMW Classic Car Club of America, this 507 spent a brief time in South America, returning to Germany around 1960 and remaining in Europe for the next five decades. By the late 1960s, it was owned by Ludwig Hahn and then passed to Nicolaus Hahn, presumably a relative. In 2005, the BMW was offered for sale by Erich Benz and then restored to a high standard between 2006 and 2008, with a mechanical overhaul carried out by the BMW Classic department.
In May 2014, under the ownership of Hamburg, Germany, resident Jan Onne, 70110 returned to BMW Classic for an extensive inspection and factory expertise report, a bound copy of which accompanies the car at auction. This expansive document addresses all aspects of the 507, from original build data and specifications, to the car’s cosmetic condition, component authenticity, and even mechanical operation.
The BMW Classic Expertise book states that 70110 retains its original chassis, suspension, braking system, and bodywork. It further confirms that the car’s engine and gearbox are original-type replacement components; the engine is an unstamped, late-production block with improved 11-bolt cylinder heads, while the gearbox is a proper four-speed ZF unit. The 507 was also subjected to a full road test and mechanical inspection, with no significant issues noted. A compression test taken at the time shows consistent readings, with a range of 8.4:1 to 8.7:1 recorded on all eight cylinders. In the final originality evaluation summary, this 507 roadster scored 900 out of 1,000 points, placing it in Category 1, the highest rating, with an overall condition grade of 1.6, between good and immaculate condition.
Owned by American collectors for the past five years, the BMW has only been displayed on one occasion, at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in August 2016. Currently finished in factory-correct Silver Grey, with red leather upholstery and accompanied by a contrasting dark gray hardtop, this 507 is sensational in appearance, highlighted by its ultra-rare Rudge knock-off wheels and period-correct whitewall tires. Desirably equipped with front disc brakes and a Becker radio, 70110 is accompanied by its BMW Classic Expertise book, as well as a proper underhood tool kit with Hazet components and rarely seen 507 literature including an owner’s manual, repair manual, maintenance charts, and sales literature.
Among the most iconic, beautiful, and desirable European sports cars of the 1950s, the BMW 507 is a model that is highly sought-after by discerning collectors. Compared to their contemporary rival from Stuttgart, the 300 SL Roadster, these BMWs are exceedingly rare, with just 254 cars built – a small fraction of Mercedes-Benz’s 1,800-car output. Not only are 507s eligible for the most exclusive concours d’elegance and driving events, including the Mille Miglia and Colorado Grand, they are also the most important BMW sports cars of the postwar era and, as such, represent the ultimate achievement of this legendary German marque.
Given their extremely limited production, a high-quality 507 is a rare find – let alone a desirable Series II example such as this. Beautifully restored in the correct Silbergrau livery, offered with the most desirable options and accessories, and carefully scrutinized by BMW Classic, 70110 is surely among the finest 507s in existence.
