BMW introduced the BMW 507 roadster in 1956, designed by Albrecht von Goertz.
The 507 was conceived as a stylish two-seat roadster for the international market, particularly the United States. Industrial designer Albrecht von Goertz created its long bonnet, low body and distinctive kidney grille treatment, giving the car a recognisably modern BMW appearance.
Power came from BMW’s 3.2-litre V8 engine, paired with a manual transmission. The 507 offered performance and exclusivity, but its high production cost pushed the selling price far above the level originally intended by BMW’s management.
Only 252 examples were built before production ended in 1959. The car was commercially disappointing at the time, yet it later became one of BMW’s most celebrated historic models. It is sometimes confused with the BMW 503, a related grand tourer launched alongside it, but the 507 was specifically the open two-seat roadster.