1957 BMW 507 (first series)
- Colour
- Sea green with black hardtop
Chassis 70044 is a first-series BMW 507 produced in July 1957, one of only 252 examples built before the model was discontinued in 1959. Delivered new to a Munich dealership and originally finished in off-white with red leather, it passed through just three owners before its 2014 acquisition, with its third owner retaining it for over half a century. The car still carries its original engine and approximately 73,000 kilometres of documented use, making it an unusually unrestored survivor of one of BMW's most celebrated designs.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate €1,700,000 – €2,000,000
- —Auction saleEstimate US$2,400,000 – US$2,700,000
- 1957-07-01 → 1957Factory deliveryAutomag Buchner & Linsepartial documentation
Munich-based dealership that received the car new from the factory; served as initial delivery point before sale to first private owner.
- 1957-07-01 → 1958-04-01Private saleHerbert Dinkhellerfull documentation
Frankfurt tobacco company employee; vehicle was initially registered under his employer before personal registration was transferred to him in November 1957.
- 1958-04-01 →Private saleSecond owner of chassis 70044partial documentation
Identity not disclosed; acquired the car directly from Dinkheller.
- 1963 → 2014Private saleHermann Beilharzfull documentation
Mötzingen resident and amateur motorcycle racer who purchased the car as a cherished personal vehicle; kept it well-maintained and stored carefully, driving it seasonally. Repainted the car sea green early in his ownership; photographic records survive including images from his wedding day with the car.
- 2014 →Private saleCurrent vendorfull documentation
Had front disc brakes fitted for improved stopping performance; also added color-matched Rudge wheels while retaining the original steel wheels. This auction marks the first time the car has been publicly offered for sale.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Bodywork
The car was repainted black by an earlier owner prior to Beilharz acquiring it; the original off-white finish was replaced at an unknown point before 1963.
- —Bodywork
Early in Beilharz's ownership the car was refinished in a sea-green shade, which it retains to the present day alongside a contrasting black hardtop.
Carried out sometime shortly after 1963.
- —Mechanical
New front disc brakes were installed during the current owner's tenure to improve stopping performance; the original front brake components were preserved and accompany the car.
Work carried out after 2014.
- —Modification
Colour-matched Rudge wheels were fitted to replace the original steel wheels, which are retained and included in the sale.
Carried out by or on behalf of the current owner after 2014.
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