PIC: Something different #188 (10/24/2026)

From Amazing Classic Cars

1958 BMW 507 Roadster Series II

A legendary automotive creation emerged from the collaboration between New York importer Max Hoffman and German engineering excellence, producing what many consider the most beautiful roadster of the 1950s.

Only 252 examples were built between 1956 and 1959, with approximately 217 representing the improved Series II variant introduced in 1957. Originally intended to sell for $5,000, production costs pushed the price to around $10,500, causing BMW to lose money on every car sold.

Count Albrecht von Goertz penned the striking aluminum bodywork that featured elegant curves and luxurious chrome embellishments, creating a shark-like profile that influenced BMW designs for decades.

The Series II brought important improvements, including a repositioned fuel tank (reduced from 29 to 17.4 gallons), which eliminated fuel odors in the cabin while providing additional passenger and luggage space.

Power came from a 3.2-liter all-aluminum V8 with twin Zenith carburetors producing 150 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Performance included acceleration from 0-60 mph in approximately 11 seconds and a top speed of around 122 mph.

Celebrity owners included Elvis Presley, John Surtees, and Ursula Andress, cementing its status as automotive royalty.