• One of 218 Series II cars from a total production of 252 examples of the 507 Roadster
• Benefits from a 2010s restoration by renowned engine specialist Raphaël Rondoni of Ventoux Moteurs; now offered in lightly modified specification with power steering
• Presents in the distinguished colour scheme of Anthracite grey over red leather
• Accompanied by a rare factory hard-top roof, French Carte Grise FFVE, BMW Classic Birth Certificate, and a report by marque expert Stéphane Bonoron

This early Series II example of the BMW 507 Roadster was finished by the factory in Graphite and equipped with a hard-top roof, Becker Brescia radio, and an automatic radio antenna. The car was delivered new to Italy via marque importer Casa Dell'Automobile Paolini in Rome in September 1957.

While chassis number 70080’s complete history is not fully known, by the mid-1980s it had returned to BMW’s home city of Munich in Germany under the care of new owner Albert Keller. Subsequently, towards the end of the following decade, the 507 Roadster was offered at a Las Vegas auction in the United States. In the early 2010s, the car was acquired by noted French collector Henri Chambon, whose collection at one time or another included a Bugatti Type 57C Atalante, Ferrari 250 GT SWB, and the 1964 Tour de France-winning Ferrari 250 GTO. In his ownership, the Roadster was entrusted to respected engine authority Raphaël Rondoni, who promptly embarked upon an exhaustive two-year restoration.

This included a comprehensive engine rebuild over 2012 and 2013 by the master craftsmen at Ventoux Moteurs Ingénierie of Carpentras, France at a cost of over €50,000. As part of the work, the cylinder block and head faces were machined, while a new steel crankshaft, steel liners, Arrow “H-section” connecting rods, and high-compression Wossner forged pistons were installed. Additionally, the cylinder heads benefitted from new Xceldine titanium valves, valve springs, beryllium bronze valve seats, and guides. The lubrication system and oil pump were appropriately uprated. Finally, a custom-made tubular exhaust system was fitted to improve performance and save weight. Upon completion, the engine was found to produce 225 PS—a significant 75 PS increase over the original figure quoted by BMW.

Concurrent with the engine rebuild, the car was entrusted to accomplished upholsterer and trimmer Raymond Ratto of Cannes, France. He was tasked with re-trimming it with red leather seats and red carpets to original 507 specification. A new black Alpaca hood was also fitted, together with a black hood bag and red tonneau cover, while the rear luggage area was re-trimmed with grey carpet. To improve practicality and driver enjoyment, electronically assisted power steering was fitted. Please note: the original factory items accompany the car. Finally, an alternator was equipped in place of the dynamo to ensure more consistent and reliable charging.

Once completed, the car provided Chambon with several years of enjoyment. However, the decision was taken in 2021 to remove the engine for subsequent disassembly and routine inspection by Ventoux Moteurs. At this point, the engine was fitted with new cylinder liners, shell bearings, modified tappets, and an optimised camshaft bearing lubrication system. Furthermore, the car was also subjected to a complete gearbox rebuild—including the fitment of new bearings, synchromesh, and clutch—and an overhaul of the rear axle.

In March 2022, chassis 70080 was acquired from Chambon by the consigning owner. Usage of the car under their care has been modest, but the maintenance fastidious. Handsomely configured and packing the performance to support its stunning styling, this 507 Roadster awaits its next adoring custodian.

Please note, it is not confirmed that this lot was fitted with disc brakes and Rudge wheels by the factory.

Zur Beachtung: die Ausstattung dieses Fahrzeugs mit Scheibenbremsen und Rudgefelgen ab Werk kann nicht bestätigt werden.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mu25/.