The Forgotten V8 Grand Tourer That Rivaled the 507

Lately, “fashionable” BMWs get a number of consideration. Primarily, stuff that got here after the appearance of the 02 Series and Neue Klasse — basically, something after the mid-Sixties. However there are exceptions, maybe most notably the BMW 507. However alongside that extraordinarily well-known (and equally ill-fated) mannequin, there was one other: the BMW 503. Regardless of sharing so much with the 507 — a goal demographic and debuts on the Frankfurt Motor Present in 1955 to begin — it was a a lot completely different automobile that was essential to the model for its personal distinctive causes. Regardless of its debut in 1955, manufacturing and gross sales began in 1956. That makes the BMW 503 70 years outdated this yr.

The Mercedes Gullwing Fighter: BMW Introduces the 503

Maybe predictably, the BMW 501 and BMW 502 preceded the 503. Each are luxurious automobiles, the latter of which enjoys a light-weight, aluminum-block V8. The aluminum V8 was gentle and highly effective for its day, and it bought some individuals at BMW pondering: wouldn’t this be excellent in a sports activities automobile physique? Approval for the mission got here in 1954 sizzling on the heels of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL’s debut on the New York Auto Present. Designer Albrecht von Goertz was tasked with discovering a becoming design. Not solely did he achieve this for the 503, however the 507 as properly, which might additionally find yourself with the aluminum V8.

Whereas the 503 was very a lot its personal automobile, engineers have been tasked with utilizing as a lot as potential from the 502 sedan. The automobiles shared steering programs and suspension elements, and solely minor modifications accompanied the prevailing aluminum V8. By 1957, all fashions bought disc brakes as a typical improve. Just like the V8, this was a reasonably cutting-edge improvement for the period. The 503’s styling and a couple of+2 seating configuration set it aside from the 502 and 507, respectively, with a blended deal with luxurious and efficiency that additionally helped it carve a novel identification.

Excessive Worth, Excessive Stakes: Why the 503 Light

After all, a novel identification didn’t facilitate any tangible gross sales advantages. When evaluating the BMW 503 and BMW 507, it’s clear neither was a industrial success. Its begin value outstripped even the “halo automobile” 507; shockingly, it nonetheless managed to out-sell it. A price ticket that equals practically $100,000 right now meant the viewers for the 503 was small. Solely 273 coupes and 139 convertibles ever got here into the world; simply six have been right-hand drive (three of every physique fashion).

Seventy years later, the 503 is comparatively missed. That’s to not name it cheap: nice examples nonetheless climb into deep six-figure sums. However the 507 continues to be the king of the public sale block — blame its evocative design and inextricable historical past with superstars together with Elvis Presley. It’s price noting that Max Hoffman, BMW’s then sole stateside distributor, wished the 503’s pricing to be decidedly extra affordable; $5,000 in 1955, which is someplace round $60,000 in right now’s cash. However even when the 503’s value was extra palatable, it might’ve confronted a wrestle for something resembling “widespread” adoption. With restricted service and gross sales facilities and significantly extra highly effective engine choices from extra accessible home automakers, the 503 would’ve at all times been a tough promote. But it surely does make you surprise: what underrated BMW will likely be promoting for half 1,000,000 {dollars} 70 years from now?