Description

Chassis No. 70171
Engine No. 40183

In the realm of coveted sports cars hailing from the 1950s, the indelible imprint of Austrian-born, New York-based automotive importer Max Hoffman looms large. Thanks to his remarkable ability to recognize and exploit market niches, Hoffman attracted the attention of distinguished marques such as Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Volkswagen, playing a pivotal role in helping each of them gain a foothold in the American automotive landscape. His profound influence extended beyond the mere facilitation of imports, guiding manufacturers in crucial product decisions. A staunch proponent of small, sporting models as a means of breaking into the American market, Hoffman's vision gave birth to such automotive gems like the Porsche 356 Speedster, Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, and the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe. With each new creation, Hoffman's intuition proved to be well aligned with the demands of the American clientele.

By the mid-1950s, Hoffman was selling roughly one-third of Porsche's annual output to customers in the United States. Having more than achieved Porsche's American breakthrough, he set his sights on establishing another German manufacturer in North America, BMW. At the time, the Munich-based firm was still recovering from the heavy bombing its factories sustained during World War II, and its lineup of luxury sedans lacked anything resembling a halo sports car. Seeing what Hoffman had done for other manufacturers, BMW agreed to build a two-door roadster based on the 501 and 502 saloons to tempt American buyers. Hoffman tapped young protege Albrecht Graf von Goertz to design the new Roadster's sweeping lines – his first-ever entire car design project – while the mechanical underpinnings were handled by BMW technical director Fritz Fiedler.

First unveiled to the public at New York's Waldorf=Astoria in August 1955, the gorgeous hand-formed aluminum shape of the BMW 507 is still hailed today as one of the finest accomplishments in the history of automotive design. Supremely elegant from every angle, the sensuous body featured a plunging nose with a slanted variation of BMW's trademark twin-kidney grille, sculpted front fenders, and purposeful chrome detailing around the headlights, windshield, and fender vents. Under its lithe alloy coachwork sat BMW's advanced all-aluminum 3.2-liter overhead-valve V8 engine producing a brisk 148 horsepower and paired with a four-speed synchromesh transmission. Yet despite its irresistible appeal, the consequence of the 507's impressive performance and truly captivating aesthetics was its cost. Early promotional cars soared past Hoffman's target price of $4,499, with each bespoke example ultimately costing nearly $10,000 at a time when the 300 SL Roadster retailed for closer to $7000. Just 252 examples were produced before production ceased in 1959. As a result, 507 ownership was limited to a select group of well-to-do clientele and high-profile celebrities, counting Elvis Presley, Alain Delon, Ursula Andress, John Surtees, and King Baudouin of Belgium among its exclusive list of owners.

One such member of this discerning club was New Orleans jazz musician Pierre Dewey LaFontaine Jr., known professionally as Pete Fountain. As a rising clarinetist in the city that created jazz, Fountain made a name for himself performing with best known jazz bands in the country including the Basin Street Six, The Dukes of Dixieland, and Al Hirt, before later transitioning to television with his many solo performances on the ABC television show, The Lawrence Welk Show in the late 1950s. It was around this time that Fountain acquired BMW 507 chassis number 70171, the Papyros white Roadster offered here. According to BMW Group Classic, this 507 was completed on 17 September 1958 – a desirable Series II example equipped with Girling front disc brakes – and dispatched to the United States. Fascinatingly, the 507 was not delivered through the usual importers Fadex or Hoffman and is believed to have been specially ordered by Fountain, with a period image on file of the famous jazz musician behind the wheel of chassis 70171 – the earliest known image of the car – as well as a 1963 New Orleans inspection sticker that remains affixed to the windshield.

Documentation resumes in the 1990s when the 507 was registered to attorney and BMW collector Terrance K. Knudsen of Wisconsin. By the end of the decade, the car had found a new long-term caretaker in Melvin F. Weiss of New Jersey, who is believed to have cherished the elegant roadster for over two decades until 2023. Under Weiss's ownership, the BMW was the subject of a meticulous restoration to its original factory appearance in the timeless exterior color of Papyros white, neatly contrasted by a highly desirable dark blue optional factory hard top and matching dark blue leather interior. The exceptional quality and attention to detail of the comprehensive endeavor is evident in its period-correct touches including its Becker Mexico radio and set of chrome knock-off Rudge wheels. Furthermore, chassis 70171 boasts an enviable degree of originality, with the fitted engine, number 40183, being recognized by BMW Group Classic to be the original, matching-numbers unit. Today, the superb condition of the bodywork, chassis, and interior indicate that the 507 was restored to very a high, concours-quality standard and has been remarkably well maintained since its completion. Importantly, the number “171” can be found stamped into the bonnet and trunk lid, indicating these are the original body pieces.

Complementing its outstanding cosmetic presentation, the 507's matching-numbers engine was entrusted to the highly regarded specialists at Motion Products Inc. in Neenah, Wisconsin for a comprehensive engine rebuild. The four-month undertaking, which included the replacement of the clutch, is neatly documented by receipts in excess of $65,000 and photos in their own binder. Two further history file binders are included with the car, containing several original owner's and maintenance manuals, old registration cards, a book about Pete Fountain and his incredible career, a couple of Pete Fountain vinyl records, and other period paraphernalia. A fresh set of period-correct Pirelli Cinturato tires have recently been fitted as well.

This impeccably restored and rare 507 is now offered with its freshly rebuilt, matching-numbers engine, opening a world of possibilities for its next fortunate owner to extensively tour or show. As one of only 252 examples produced compared to many more Porsche 356 Speedsters and Mercedes 300 SLs, the BMW 507 was not only an extraordinary sight in its day but is now an extremely collectible masterpiece of design and engineering. Chassis number 70171, with its matching-numbers status, splendid restoration in its factory original color, and extensive factory literature is undoubtedly one of the finest BMW 507s currently available.

Please note, this vehicle is titled as model year 1959