Gone for a long period of time, Elvis Presley's BMW 507 Roadster has been found, rescued and restored by BMW Group Classic. the King of Rock car will be displayed and auctioned at the Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach along with other BMW restored to celebrate its centenary.
Unveiled at the New York of 1955 and produced a year later, the BMW 507 Roadster was made to rival the very impressive Mercedes-Benz 300SL and also to defeat the misery that people felt after the Second World War. Only 257 units was brought to the United States and sold at a price of $9000 - where at that time more or less has the same value as a house - making it one of the most iconic cars of the decade.
Elvis Presley's BMW 507 has a rich story that started in 1958 when Presley first bought it from his friend and racing driver Hans Stuck. It was originally white but Presley decided to paint it red so that the fans will stop writing their phone numbers on the body of the car using their lipstick.
Elvis then allow Ursula Andress, another superstar of the era, to borrow the BMW 507 and Andress the car in his possession for another two decades. Finally, Elvis sold the car to a Chrysler dealer in New York, who in turn sold it to Tommy Charles, amateur radio announcer of car racings. After Charles, the BMW507 went through a few more hands and then fall into the hands of Jack Castor, a space engineer who sought to restore completely.
Years and years of neglect take a toll on the car. Both the body and interior were completely destroyed but thanks to the love of BMW Group Classic who managed to locate in San Francisco with the collaboration of the journalist who discovered it, the BMW 507 has returned to life in all its glory.
Parts had been dismantled and fixed while being true to the union between the old and the new. The door windows handles were performed using 3D printing for a perfect finish and the engine has been rebuilt using original parts from the 50's.
For those who dare to bid, the Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach will be on August 17 until August 21.
See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?
