BMW 503
The 1955 Edition of the Frankfurt International Motor Show, was a highlight in the history of BMW. The marque launched two new models, being the luxurious 503 and 507 roadster. These breathtakingly beautiful new models where designed by Count Albrecht Goertz, who, after having worked for the famous Raymond Loewy, had started his own design company in New York. While in New York, Goertz met the American importer of BMW, Max Hoffman. Since Hoffman knew that BMW wanted to introduce a sports car, he managed that Goertz was to be responsible for its design. Although the 507 became a glorious and very elegant roadster, the 503 became a much larger and more luxurious GT. Both models used many components including the engine from the 502 3.2 Super, a car which is now known as ‘Barockengel’. Instead of the classic lines of the 502, the 503 was a much more modern looking car, of which the even more rarer convertible model was fitted with a hydraulic opening roof and side windows. Responsible for the rolling chassis was engineer Fritz Fiedler. Although he started with the chassis from the 502, he designed two new versions from which the long wheel base was used for the 503. After having been produced for a period of two years, BMW launched the second series in Autumn 1957. Apart from some very small optical changes like different designed chrome parts for the exterior and a newly positioned ashtray, the main differences where to be found underneath. The gearbox was now directly fitted to the gearbox, which meant that the steering gearshift was replaced by a floor mounted gear selector. Although US importer Max Hoffman had thought of positioning the new BMW models in between Triumph's sports cars and the Mercedes 190 SL and planned to order a serious number of cars, BMW itself appeared to think completely differently. The BMW factory set out to serve only the rich of the earth, and as such was not interested in marketing their cars at significantly lower prices. The enormously high pricing even got to the point where Hoffman decided to give up his import business, and as a result of that, there was no longer a sales nor service dealer for both the 503 and the 507.

While the 503 still somewhat captured the imagination of famous wealthy people like Curd Jürgens and Tito, the 507 would go down in the history books as a far too expensive and not powerful enough alternative to sports cars from established brands. When production came to an end in March 1959, a total of just 413 units of the 503 had been made, with no more than 253 examples of the 507.

This very beautiful and fully restored BMW 503 was first delivered in Belgium, at the end of 1958. This therefore is a 503 from the second series, easily identified by the floor shifter. The colour combination of blue metallic with a leather interior finished in light brown is extremely beautiful, with the extra special feature that the upholstery is still largely original and has developed a beautiful patina over the years. When this BMW 503 was discovered by its current owner in Antwerp over 20 years ago, it was in poor condition.

Limited collision damage was beyond the knowledge and skill of a previous owner, but with using original sheet metal sourced from the southern part of Germany and the dedication of a highly skilled restorer, the 503 shows itself just as beautiful again as it was at the time of delivery, in 1958.

The chosen blue metallic paint shows off the design very well, complemented by modest and beautifully gleaming chrome work.

A no expenses spared restoration has brought back the 503 to absolute pristine condition where possible, while allowing the interior to retain its patina, as charming as it is beautiful.

The 3.2 litre V8 needed relatively little work and was found to be in remarkably good condition during the restoration. Partly because of this, a total overhaul was not necessary, but all gaskets and various other items were either restored or replaced. Although the rear axle also appeared to be in surprisingly good condition, the entire chassis was restored to the condition as in the 503 had left the factory in 1958, using many new and original parts. In the interior, the headliner was renewed, as was all the carpet from the interior and boot.

During the first test drives after the finished restoration, it turned out that the engine, coupled to the original 4-speed manual gearbox, did high rev. It was therefore decided to fit a 5-speed gearbox

from Getrag, which reduced the revs considerably. The original and also professionally restored gearbox is present with the car and can always be reinstalled by a BMW specialist. Another and pleasant modification concerns the completely invisible concealed electronic power steering, which allows the 503 to navigate contemporary traffic with great ease.

Due to a stainless steel exhaust, the 3.2 litre V8 is sounding wonderfully and performs beautifully with the total power output believed to be around 140 BHP.

All work carried out on this stunningly beautiful BMW 503 is extensively documented in the restoration file, which makes us convinced that this is one of the best examples of the BMW 503 currently for sale.