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 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, when at the age of 73 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 concours d'elegance worldwide as one of the most sought-after and timeless mid-century sports cars ever produced.