Nowadays, “fashionable” BMWs get plenty of consideration. Primarily, stuff that got here after the appearance of the 02 Sequence 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 That makes the BMW 503 70 years outdated this 12 months.
The Mercedes Gullwing Fighter: BMW Introduces the 503
Maybe predictably, the BMW 501 and BMW 502 preceded the 503. Each are luxurious vehicles, the latter of which enjoys a light-weight, aluminum-block V8. The aluminum V8 was mild and highly effective for its day, and it acquired some folks at BMW considering: wouldn’t this be excellent in a sports activities automobile physique? Approval for the challenge 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 accomplish that 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 had been tasked with utilizing as a lot as potential from the 502 sedan. The vehicles shared steering programs and suspension parts, and solely minor adjustments accompanied the present aluminum V8. By 1957, all fashions acquired 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 pair 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 singular id.
Excessive Worth, Excessive Stakes: Why the 503 Light
After all, a singular id 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 worth outstripped even the “halo automobile” 507; shockingly, it nonetheless managed to out-sell it. A price ticket that equals almost $100,000 at this time meant the viewers for the 503 was small. Solely 273 coupes and 139 convertibles ever got here into the world; simply six had been right-hand drive (three of every physique model).
Seventy years later, the 503 is comparatively neglected. That’s to not name it cheap: nice examples nonetheless climb into deep six-figure sums. However the 507 remains 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 value noting that Max Hoffman, BMW’s then sole stateside distributor, needed the 503’s pricing to be decidedly extra affordable; $5,000 in 1955, which is someplace round $60,000 in at this time’s cash. However even when the 503’s worth was extra palatable, it could’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 all the time been a tough promote. However it does make you surprise: what underrated BMW can be promoting for half 1,000,000 {dollars} 70 years from now?
