The post-war sports car in America is a thing
of beauty, and the man almost singularly responsible for recognizing that
American audiences would appreciate such beauty and performance was Max
Hoffman, for whom the world’s automakers created art in metal for, for over two
decades. He was the ultimate muse: a man who inspired beautiful machinery with
a simple command and one that had the resources and influence to back up his inspirations.
It was the drumbeats from Hoffman’s New York
office that led to the creation of the Porsche Speedster, the Mercedes-Benz 300
SL and 190 SL, and this car, the BMW 507. BMW would have eventually recognized
the performance capabilities of its engineering, or how the American market’s
thirst for fast, beautiful open two-seaters had not yet been quenched, but it
was actually Hoffman who spurred on the effort, by demanding stylish machinery
that would bridge the divide between low-priced MGs, the Porsches, and the
pricey 300 SL in his lineup.
The 507 would utilize the best of Bavaria, with
mechanical components sourced from the 502 and 503 series, including a
3.2-liter, overhead-valve aluminum block V-8, which had been improved with twin
carburetors in order to produce some 150 horsepower. Like most great
automobiles, however, it would not have become a legend if not for its flowing,
downright sensuous curves. It was Max Hoffman who had final approval of the
design, so he requested the services of Count Albrecht von Goertz, a protégé of
famed industrial designer Raymond Loewy, whose futuristic themes for Studebaker
in the early fifties had caught Hoffman’s discerning eye. For Hoffman and BMW,
Goertz imagined some of the most beautiful lines ever folded into metal.
The 507 was hand-built at a price that
eventually reached over $11,000, which was a towering sum for a car in the day,
and it was discontinued after only two-and-a-half years and 251 examples. Those
251 people looked at the car, soaked up its beauty, and likely forgot the price.
Elvis Presley reportedly gave one to Ursula Andress, who was entranced with it.
Eventual World Champion John Surtees received a 507 from Count Agusta, the
motorcycle manufacturer. The basic lines of the 507 went on to inspire the
greatest modern BMW, the Z8, which became its spiritual successor in the
carriage houses of the wealthy and stylish.
Offered here is a desirable Series II variant with
increased engine output and a little additional space behind the seats,
offering those taller drivers a more comfortable seating position. It has been
beautifully restored in striking Silver with contrasting handsome Green leather
upholstery, making it an elegant, period-correct, and beautifully subtle
alternative to the sea of white 507s more often offered. It is presented in
excellent overall condition, and it has been nicely detailed, with correct
steel wheels fitted and an original 507 factory hardtop. Importantly, the 507’s
hardtop was “designed in” by Goertz, and the car is as striking with the hardtop
fixed as it is when opened to the breeze.
Most importantly, in a recent road test by an RM
specialist, the car started with ease and was superb in operation, with an easy
clutch, responsive brakes, and exhilarating performance. Even at 60 mph, it
traveled straight down the road, and heading into a curve, it handled adroitly,
just as Max Hoffman would have expected of it.
In those days of the new America, as memories of
World War II faded and the Baby Boom echoed through streets of prosperity,
sports cars became a symbol not just of speed, but also of freedom. The BMW 507
has become an iconoclastic object of that time, and it is at home in history as
it is in the garage.
Source:
http://rmauctions.com/
Credits:
No comments:
Post a Comment