BMW Will Restore Elvis' 1957 BMW 507 Roadster
By Jason Torchinsky
July 24, 2014
The BMW 507 is an absolutely lovely car. They only made 254 of them, so it's rare as well. When you factor in a famous owner, things can get pretty nuts pretty quickly. Which is probably why BMW themselves will be restoring Elvis Presley's BMW 507.
BMW has announced it is preparing to fully restore a 1957 507 roadster purchased by rock star Elvis.
Elvis' 507 was actually a used racing car, having been driven competitively (and successfully) by Hans Stuck for some hillclimbs and "mountain races." Elvis, had a new engine put in, and used the car while he was a GI stationed in Germany.
Interestingly, Elvis didn't even really buy the car — he leased it. Though he thought he was buying it. He didn't really understand the German contract, and didn't question why he was only paying $3750 when the car new cost $7160.
Elvis did swap the white 507 for a this red one later, because adoring fans were leaving phone numbers and love notes written in lipstick on his car.
Elvis also seems to have had an Isetta.
Since Elvis' 507 was a lease, it was returned to BMW, though how and where it spent the intervening years isn't clear. BMW has it now, of course, and the full restoration will take place under the direction of BMW Group Classic.
source: http://jalopnik.com
By Jason Torchinsky
July 24, 2014
The BMW 507 is an absolutely lovely car. They only made 254 of them, so it's rare as well. When you factor in a famous owner, things can get pretty nuts pretty quickly. Which is probably why BMW themselves will be restoring Elvis Presley's BMW 507.
BMW has announced it is preparing to fully restore a 1957 507 roadster purchased by rock star Elvis.
Elvis' 507 was actually a used racing car, having been driven competitively (and successfully) by Hans Stuck for some hillclimbs and "mountain races." Elvis, had a new engine put in, and used the car while he was a GI stationed in Germany.
Interestingly, Elvis didn't even really buy the car — he leased it. Though he thought he was buying it. He didn't really understand the German contract, and didn't question why he was only paying $3750 when the car new cost $7160.
Elvis did swap the white 507 for a this red one later, because adoring fans were leaving phone numbers and love notes written in lipstick on his car.
Elvis also seems to have had an Isetta.
Since Elvis' 507 was a lease, it was returned to BMW, though how and where it spent the intervening years isn't clear. BMW has it now, of course, and the full restoration will take place under the direction of BMW Group Classic.
source: http://jalopnik.com