LOT 133
1957 BMW 503 Coupe Series 1 Chassis no. 69089 Engine no. 30094 Body no. 001089
Estimate: US$190,000 - US$230,000
Lot 133
A gorgeous Bavarian grand tourer
1957 BMW 503 Coupe Series 1
1957 BMW 503 Coupe Series 1
1957 BMW 503 Coupe Series 1
Chassis no. 69089
Engine no. 30094
Body no. 001089
Chassis no. 69089
Engine no. 30094
Body no. 001089
3,168cc OHV Alloy Hemi-Head V-8 Engine
Twin Zenith Carburetors
140 BHP at 4,800 RPM
4-Speed ZF Manual Gearbox
Front Double A-Arms and Torsion Bars, Rear Live-Axle with Torsion Bars
4-Wheel Vacuum-Assisted Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*One of just 273 of BMW's elegant V8 coupe produced
*Among the most collectible BMWs of all time
*Finely restored in a handsome two-tone blue livery
*Equipped with hydraulic power widows and Becker Mexico
*Includes restoration & service history, jack, and tool kit
THE BMW 503
There's seemingly no limit to the clout that famed US importer Max Hoffman had on European manufacturers in the 1950s. With a finger on the pulse of the lucrative US market, Hoffman's influence stretched from the 300SL, the Porsche Speedster, Volkswagen, Alfa Romeo and more. Mr. Hoffman felt BMW's grand "Baroque Angel" saloons could use a sportier sibling, and working with BMW's Commercial Director Hanns Grewenig, the 503 Coupe and Cabriolet were conceived as elite grand touring models for the robust American market. Featuring unforgettable styling by Count Albrecht von Goertz, who also designed the contemporary 507 Roadster, the BMW 503 sported gorgeous hand-formed aluminum coachwork with restrained use of adornment and detailing.
The glamorous 503 made its grand debut at the September 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show. Befitting a premier European grand tourer, the cabin was trimmed in the finest leather upholstery and detailed with quality fittings, and beautifully styled VDO dials. Beneath the bonnet sat BMW's all-new 3.2-liter V-8 engine, set in a sophisticated chassis shared with the 3200 S. The 503 employed an unusual gearbox arrangement with a column-shifted, four-speed manual shared with the contemporary 502 which is mounted remotely from the engine and connected via a short driveshaft, with a secondary driveshaft sending power rearward. The high cost of development and BMW's financial struggles meant that ultimately, just 412 503s were built from May 1956 to March 1959, including 273 coupes and 139 cabriolets.
THE CAR OFFERED
Positively splendid in its sophisticated two-tone metallic blue paint over a red leather cabin, this rare and handsome 1957 503 Coupe was comprehensively restored and has been meticulously maintained by its past owners. This car's column-shifted gearbox and subtle kicked-up body trim denote it as a first series model. Befitting a 50s GT, this car includes niceties like driving lamps, hydraulically operated windows, and a Becker Mexico radio with retractable antenna. Additionally, a hidden modern stereo with trunk-mounted CD changer has been added. The alloy hemi-head BMW 3.2-liter OHV V-8 engine is topped with twin Zenith carburetors, and assured braking is via vacuum-assisted, four-wheel hydraulic drums – finned at the front for added cooling.
In September 2023 under current stewardship, a service was completed to include an oil change, new spark plugs and battery, plus installation of new period-style Pirelli Cinturato CA67 tires, fitted to 16-inch color-keyed steel wheels adorned with chrome BMW hub caps. A matching spare tire is stowed beneath the trunk floor, and all five wheels bear "598" date stamps. The tool kit is housed neatly inside the engine compartment along the firewall, while other items include a roadside jack, and a binder of service and restoration records.
With marvelous styling by the great Albrecht von Goertz, sophisticated engineering and continental luxury, this exceptionally rare 1957 BMW 503 Coupe is a svelte and capable alternative to many far more numerous collector cars from the USA and Europe.
Footnotes
Please note that this vehicle is titled as a 1956 model year.
Additional information
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