Tentatively I open the door. It swings without the complication of a modern hinge and thuds shut again with practised precision. With the fabric hood on roof duty, it feels slightly cramped, but only because of the proximity of the upright screen and the selfish side glass. Slim seats and a sparsely populated cabin compensate. I’m confronted by an anaemic white rim and an all-black metal dash, punctuated by six ivory-hued knobs that long ago ceased to advertise their job description. I fiddle around under the seat for a lever, and slide it forward. Everything’s in super nick, and even though I realise BMW has more precious 507s squirreled away and that this one is driven regularly, I wind down the windows and nudge the indicator’s spindly stalk as gently as if I was playing baseball with a porcelain bat.
A prod on the accelerator to lift the revs in stall prevention and I ease off the light clutch and point the 507V8 engine’s throb – a heady mix of Harley Davidson at idle and Wagner on cam – pulses through the tight cabin. I ask myself, ‘Has there ever been a better mid-range soundtrack on Munich's streets?’ Second slots home easily and the torque is instantly apparent. Finding third is trickier as the gate on the four-speeder is far wider than the six-speed ’boxes we’re used to today. Typically old school brakes require more heft than deft. Two corners in, and the indicator’s fused out. Somehow sticking your arm out the window in a 507 just looks less daft. As it turns out, taking gaps is easy, as 335s make way in quiet, patient reverence.
Year made 1958
Quantity built 251 (1956-1959)
Original price DM 26 500
Technical data
Engine Eight-cylinder V configuration
Displacement 3168cc
Bore x stroke 82x75mm
Power output 150bhp (112kW) at 5000rpm
Transmission Four-speed, central shift
Front brakes Hydraulic duplex brakes with servo
Rear brakes Hydraulic simplex brakes with servo
Dimensions (L/W/H) 4380/1650/1260mm
Unladen weight 1220kg
Max. speed 205kph
By: Wayne Batty
