Inventory
| 1957 BMW 503 | |
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| 1957 BMW 503 | |
| Price | POA |
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Exterior Color | Ultramaron Metallic |
| Interior Color | Tan |
| Drivetrain | 3 speed manual |
| New / Used | Pre-Owned |
| Mileage | 39000 |
| Condition | Excellent |
| Origin | When new this 503 Coupe was a special order in the striking color of Ultramaron Metallic over saddle leather with brown piping – the combination was absolutely spectacular! The 503 was no doubt imported by Mr. Hoffman and eventually sold to an owner in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on March 8, 1957. In 1962, William Forde purchased the BMW from the original owner in Wisconsin. A resident of Rochester, Minnesota, Mr. Forde brought the car home and, over the next few years, conducted his own work on the 503 while seeing that it experienced regular use. A series of invoices from Hoffman Motors Corp. and BMW Automobile Parts, as well as correspondence, highlights Mr. Forde’s work on the car in the early 1960s. Mr. Forde became an enthusiastic member of the BMW Car Club shortly after acquiring his new 503. A sports car man at heart, Mr. Forde kept the 503 for many years alongside his 1962 Devin Roadster. In 1971, the car was put into dry storage where it remained for approximately three decades until Mr. Forde passed away nearly 40 years after his initial acquisition of the car. Acquired by a well-known Santa Barbara enthusiast, the 503 was found to be in wonderful original condition and, with just over 39,000 original miles, the car proved to be a shining example of preservation. Only the necessary mechanical work was conducted immediately to bring it back to its road-going splendor. The near-45 years had taken its toll on the paint surface and, although the car remained straight, the decision was made to repaint it. With preservation in mind, the 503 was refinished in the stunning original color of Ultramaron Metallic. Some of the chrome trim was replated as necessary and the wonderful original interior remains intact today. The trunk remains very original, with the exception of some necessary replacement of carpeting. The engine bay received minor detailing and the undercarriage was left to show its solid state. This well-preserved and exceptionally rare Series II V-8 503 BMW is offered with its original owner’s manual and an extensive file from Mr. Forde’s early ownership. The big brother to the 507, the 503 remains nearly as scarce – particularly in the original condition presented here. Limited ownership and low mileage, in addition to recent attentive refurbishment, make this a very unique and collectible car worthy of consideration. |
| Status | On Hold |
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Detailing Second Series Employing the 507 V-8 Engine Spectacularly Preserved 503 Just Over 39,000 Miles from New Single Ownership for Almost 40 Years Striking Presentation in Original Livery One of Just 273 Produced 3,168 CC OHV Aluminum V-8 Engine Dual Zenith Carburetors 140 BHP at 4,800 RPM 3-Speed Manual Column Shift Gearbox 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes Independent Front Suspension by Upper and Lower A-Arms Live Rear Axle with Torsion Bars |
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Model History Post-war production proved challenging for even the largest of German companies, and BMW was no exception. After relocating to Munich and marketing motorcycles, BMW returned to automobile manufacture in 1952. In 1954, they found some much-needed footing with the development of their new V-8 engine. Replacing the pre-war inline-six engine was the new aluminum V-8, designed by Alfred Böning and loosely based on the cast-iron American V-8. With a new power plant, the return to sports cars was a natural next step for BMW and, at the 1955 Frankfurt Auto Show, they released their exciting new models. Parked alongside the legendary 507 was the gorgeous 503 Coupe. Designed by Raymond Loewy understudy Count Albrecht von Goertz, the two new models were an absolute hit. Even Pinin Farina proclaimed that the 503 was the most beautiful car in the show. Production of the 503 commenced in 1956 and, boasting sporting drivability in addition to abundant luxury, the custom-made cars soon found satisfied owners despite being expensive automobiles. In 1957, BMW introduced the Series II 503 which implemented the 507 V-8 engine. The updated 503 produced a healthy 140 hp and 188 lbs./ft. of torque which was capable of bringing the alloy-bodied 2+2 to a top speed of 118 mph. When the 503 was featured on the cover of Road & Track in 1957, the article exclaimed, “Damn the expense, full speed ahead. In Germany it pays off for the fortunate buyer.” Influential in the development of the 507, Max Hoffman was an obvious outlet for a good majority of the 503 and 507 model BMWs. However, the sales for either were limited and just 412 503 models were built, of which 139 were cabriolets. |
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