Say “classic” or “vintage” BMW and many of us immediately think of the early BMW 328 roadsters and coupes of the 1930s that established the company’s reputation for sporty cars and smooth inline six engines. Or the 502 “Baroque Angels” from the 1950s. Others might say that the E30 M3 was an instant classic and while it might not be vintage, being out of production for 23 years makes it kind of vintage.
However, no one will argue that the very limited-production BMW 507 is both classic and vintage and at the moment, one of the more expensive BMW’s in the world to buy. Auctions over the past year have seen 507’s going for over $2,000,000. Even though they have always been exceedingly rare—only 252 were built and about 200 remain today—a 507 could have been had for under six figures only a little while before the E30 M3 came along.
BMW considers the 507 one of its more significant cars. To celebrate the car’s 60th anniversary, a new exhibit entitled “Family Affairs: Draft Designs of the BMW 507” is showing now through January 2016 at the BMW Museum in Munich. Examples of 507 variants and even a 507 boat—you did know there was a 507 boat, didn’t you?—are on display.
If you can’t make it to Munich, take a look at the video BMW has put together announcing the exhibit.—Scott Blazey
[Photo and video courtesy of BMW AG.]
