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1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster

Lot 109 | The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Auction 2025 Saturday, 24 May 2025

Estimate: $2,000,000 - $2,300,000

1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster

Lot 109 | The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Auction 2025 Saturday, 24 May 2025

Estimate: $2,000,000 - $2,300,000
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Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
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Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
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Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
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Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster

  • Long-term original ownership from 1958-2004, one of just 252 examples built
  • Powered by an alloy 3.2-liter V8 engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission
  • An unrestored and highly original example eligible for the most prestigious concours d'elegance and driving events
  • Offered in its original shade of Federweiss over a two-tone black and white interior
  • Among the most iconic and collectible BMW models produced
  • Includes its original German Kraftfahrzeugbrief and 507 owner's manual
  • Uno dei soli 252 esemplari costruiti, sempre rimasto nella stessa famiglia fino al 2004
  • Motore V8 da 3,2 litri, cambio manuale a quattro rapporti
  • Esemplare conservato, altamente originale e quindi idoneo all’iscrizione nei più prestigiosi eventi e concorsi d'eleganza
  • Colore originale Federweiss, interni bicolore bianco e nero
  • Uno dei modelli BMW più iconici mai prodotti
  • Kraftfahrzeugbrief in lingua tedesca e manuale d'uso BMW 507 originale

Chassis No. 70127
Engine No. 40733

First revealed to the world at New York's illustrious Waldorf-Astoria in August 1955, the BMW 507—an exquisite creation sculpted by Albrecht Graf von Goertz—remains one of the most elegant designs ever penned. Its hand-formed aluminum body exudes a delicate sophistication from every perspective, with a plunging nose adorned by a striking reinterpretation of BMW's signature twin-kidney grille. Gracefully sculpted front fenders, refined chrome accents encircling the headlights and windshield, and meticulously crafted fender vents further enhance its supremely sophisticated presence. Beneath this lithe, handcrafted exterior lay BMW's advanced all-aluminum 3.2-liter overhead-valve V8, delivering a spirited 147.5 horsepower through a four-speed synchromesh transmission.

Yet, the very allure that made the 507 a masterpiece also proved its Achilles' heel—its impressive cost. Although official importers targeted an initial price of DM 12,000, the car that made its European debut at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in September 1955 quickly exceeded this estimate, with the 507 ultimately commanding DM 26,500. This number nearly exceeded the cost of a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster and, as a result, a mere 252 units were produced before its discontinuation in 1959. Naturally, BMW 507 ownership was limited to prominent clientele and often high-profile celebrities, with luminaries such as Elvis Presley, Alain Delon, Ursula Andress, John Surtees, and King Baudouin of Belgium all enjoying their time behind the wheel of one of the finest mid-century sports cars ever created.

It is rare to come across a BMW as exceptional as a 507 for sale, yet it is significantly rarer to locate an example that once was under original ownership for nearly its first half-century on the road. Yet, this 507, chassis number 70127, can tell such a story. The original German Kraftfahrzeugbrief reveals that the V8 Roadster was first registered to “Fa. W. Bartels jr.” of Braunschweig, Germany on 23 April 1958. That spring, Wilhelm Bartels gifted the car to his wife Elisabeth, beginning a near-half century of ownership. Registered on BS-AZ222 number plates, historical imagery on file shows a clearly enamored Ms. Bartels—just 17 at the time—and the Federweiss roadster in front of the family home. The BMW was regularly used yet was more than transportation or even a favored sports car—it was a treasured member of the family. Such dedication to a car should be easily understood by many reading these pages!

During their ownership, the Bartels' Roadster likely touched many, but certainly some more than others. Beginning from its delivery in 1958 until at least 2018, chassis number 70127 received individual servicing by the same mechanic who also performed a front disc brake upgrade to the car while under the Bartels' care. This impressive streak of service continuity from new is unlikely to be matched by any other 507! It should be noted that in such fastidious care, the car is noted to have been regularly maintained and ready for a drive the moment the mood struck.

By the early 1980s, Bartels met Horst Kölpin who, after a glimpse of the car, decided he would endeavor to become the car's second owner. At the time, he did not know the fantastic backstory at that point “just” a quarter century old, yet he likely quickly became versed. It is said that Kölpin frequently discussed obtaining the car from Bartels, yet it would just take nearly two decades for this to happen. The car remained a part of the Bartels family until 2004, the car found a new caretaker for the first time since 1958. In an interview with the German newspaper Volksstimme, Kölpin notes that the 507 and Elisabeth were reunited frequently, and that she continued to playfully refer to the BMW as hers until her passing at the age of 75. Under Kölpin's ownership, the 507 retained the same maintenance relationship and included a partial interior retrim, a fresh Black soft top, and a set of knock-off body-color Rudge wheels.

In 2018, the 507 found just its third caretaker. It is apparent that this individual saw great value in its exceptional originality, fastidiously maintained over the previous six decades by just two owners from new. In fact, the odometer reading noted at the time of the sale (56,783 kilometers) reveals that the car has seen a scant seven kilometers added to it over the past seven years! Formerly under long-term original ownership for 46 years, this rare BMW 507 Series II Roadster is offered as a highly original example and is among the most collectible BMW models. Additionally, it is eligible for the most prestigious driving events and concours d'elegance worldwide as one of the most sought-after and timeless mid-century sports cars ever produced.

Telaio n. 70127
Motore n. 40733

Agosto, 1955: la BMW 507 viene svelata in anteprima mondiale al Waldorf Astoria di New York. Disegnata da Albrecht Graf von Goertz, è ancora oggi riconosciuta per possedere uno dei design più eleganti mai realizzati della storia dell’automobile. La sua carrozzeria in alluminio battuto a mano esprime raffinatezza sotto ogni punto di vista, con quel suo muso lungo, che si distingue grazie alla sorprendente reinterpretazione della griglia con il doppio rene tipica di BMW. I passaruota anteriori sono muscolari, morbidi, i dettagli cromati che circondano sia i fari sia il parabrezza e le curatissime prese d'aria dietro ai passaruota, esaltano ulteriormente la sua presenza decisamente sofisticata. Sotto queste sembianze snelle e sapientemente scolpite, batte un V8 BMW da 3,2 litri, completamente in alluminio, con valvole in testa in grado di erogare 147,5 cavalli — scaricati a terra grazie ad un cambio sincronizzato a quattro rapporti.

Il fascino che ha reso la 507 un capolavoro immortale si è anche rivelato un po’ il suo tallone d’Achille, perché era venduta a carissimo prezzo. Gli importatori ufficiali fissano inizialmente la cifra d’acquisto in 12.000 marchi tedeschi ma, i primi modelli di produzione superano di gran lunga questa stima, con la 507 che, di fatto, arriva a costarne ben 26.500. Un prezzo impressionante per l’epoca, che supera il costo della blasonata Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster. Di conseguenza, di 507 se ne producono poche: solo 252 unità prima dello stop alla produzione avvenuto nel 1959. Naturalmente, la BMW 507 è riservata a una clientela di spicco, con tante celebrità di alto profilo. Ne possiedono una, infatti, Elvis Presley, Alain Delon, Ursula Andress, John Surtees e il Re Baldovino del Belgio: personaggi che, all’epoca, apprezzano e si godono quella che di certo è una delle migliori auto sportive costruite negli anni Cinquanta del secolo scorso.

Imbattersi in una BMW 507 come questa offerta in vendita è già di per sé un fatto raro, trovarne una rimasta nella stessa famiglia per quasi mezzo secolo è però qualcosa di unico. Il Kraftfahrzeugbrief tedesco originale rivela che questa roadster V8, numero di telaio 70127, viene immatricolata per la prima volta a nome di Fa. W. Bartels Jr. in quel di Braunschweig, Germania, il 23 aprile 1958. Wilhelm Bartels la regala a sua moglie Elisabeth. Targata “BS-AZ222”, appare ritratta in alcuni scatti che mostrano la signora Bartels, che all'epoca ha solo 17 anni, chiaramente innamorata della vettura color Federweiss parcheggiata davanti alla casa di famiglia. Viene usata regolarmente, più come un mezzo di trasporto quotidiano che non come un’auto sportiva per il weekend. È, di fatto, un altro membro della famiglia, curata e amata con dedizione — attitudine che a molti di voi, fra quelli che stanno leggendo queste pagine, risulterà più che comprensibile.

Durante la proprietà dei Bartels, la 507 ha sicuramente affascinato e interessato molte persone ma, alcune più di altre. È il caso del meccanico che se n’è preso cura, ininterrottamente, dall’anno della consegna, il 1958, fino almeno al 2018. Lui, oltre alla manutenzione ordinaria, si è anche occupato di un upgrade dei dischi anteriori. È davvero difficile immaginare che un’altra BMW 507 possa vantare tale continuità a livello di manutenzione, con i lavori sempre effettuati dalla medesima persona. Era tenuta sempre perfetta, pronta per essere utilizzata in qualsiasi momento.

All'inizio degli anni Ottanta, Bartels incontra Horst Kölpin che, dopo aver visto la vettura, ne fa un suo oggetto del desiderio. All'epoca è ignaro della storia che questa BMW 507 porta con sé, ma ne viene presto a conoscenza. Pare che Kölpin abbia discusso spesso con Bartels cercando di persuaderlo a cedere il gioiello di famiglia, ma ci sarebbero voluti quasi vent’anni prima che i tentativi andassero effettivamente a buon fine. L'auto rimane con la famiglia Bartels fino al 2004, passa nelle mani del secondo proprietario. In un'intervista rilasciata al quotidiano tedesco Volksstimme, Kölpin racconta che la 507 ed Elisabeth si sono poi incontrate svariate volte negli anni successivi e che lei, scherzosamente, ha continuato a fingere che fosse ancora sua, un siparietto durato per tutta la rimanente parte della sua vita. Anche con Kölpin come proprietario, la 507 è stata mantenuta in condizioni esemplari, beneficiando, inoltre, di un rifacimento parziale degli interni, di una nuova capote nera e un set di cerchi Rudge in tinta con la carrozzeria.

Nel 2018, la vettura è passata al suo terzo proprietario. Chiaramente, questa persona ha subito riconosciuto il grande valore del veicolo, il suo tasso d’originalità e la meticolosità con cui, nei sei decenni precedenti, i due soli proprietari se ne erano presi cura. Tanto che, al momento della messa in vendita, il contachilometri della 507 telaio 70127 segna 56.783 chilometri, lasciando intendere che siano stati percorsi appena sette chilometri negli ultimi sette anni. Vettura meravigliosa, una delle auto sportive più ricercate e senza tempo mai prodotte, in condizioni uniche e perfetta tanto per i raduni quanto per i concorsi d’eleganza più prestigiosi al mondo.

Harry Wassell
Car Specialist