In the context of BMW’s enhanced status in the 21st century global marketplace, and its long-established commercial success, it seems somewhat ironic that their most fabled offering—the timeless 507—was, at the time of its manufacture, a relative commercial flop.

Inspired by legendary Austrian-born, New York-based automotive importer Max Hoffman—who had introduced the likes of Jaguar, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz to the burgeoning 1950s US car market—the 507 was intended to revive BMW’s image as a manufacturer of luxury and sporting cars, whilst simultaneously offering a viable alternative to the likes of Mercedes’ 300 SL Coupe and the Porsche 356 Speedster.

As contemporary US importer of all three German marques, Hoffman was keen to position the 507 carefully; its target selling price of $5,000 was set so as to avoid exerting undue—and unwanted—influence on sales of the cheaper Porsche, or the more expensive Mercedes.

Although aimed principally at the US market, the 507 would natural...