A myth comes to Munich. Since July 24 and until August 10, the BMW Museum has been showing the special exhibition "Elvis' BMW 507: lost & found". Visitors can experience the King of Rock's sports car in its current condition. The BMW Museum tells the story of this cult vehicle, which is the subject of many myths. Following the exhibition, the car will be restored by experts from BMW Group Classic.
Automobile fans don't often get the opportunity to admire a BMW 507. The car has rarity value, as only 254 examples were produced between 1955 and 1959. The model has always been regarded as a luxury and status symbol. Stars from film and music were among the buyers of the two-seater, including Ursula Andress, Alain Delon, Toni Sailer and Elvis Presley.
The rock'n'roll star drove a white BMW 507 during his time as a GI in Germany. The BMW 507 was first presented at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in 1955, and just two years later, in 1957, Elvis' roadster was unveiled at the show on the Main. Hans Stuck then drove it in a number of hill climbs, all of which he won. For Elvis, however, BMW installed a light-alloy V8 engine suitable for everyday use in the former racing car - with a massive 150 hp for the 1950s.
After almost 60 years, Elvis' roadster is now returning to its place of production. This cult car is in the best of hands at the BMW Classic Center. The experts there have decades of experience in restoring classic cars.
"Being able to realize a project like this is the dream of every vehicle restorer. The fact that the BMW 507 of the King of Rock'n Roll has found its way into the BMW Museum is remarkable in itself. To be able to restore this classic car at our premises is a very special task for us. We are delighted that BMW Group Classic has been given this trust," says Ulrich Knieps, Head of BMW Group Classic. BMW Group Classic archives and documents the history of the brands and brings it to life. It also includes the BMW Museum and the Classic Center, the contact point for owners of classic vehicles of the brands.
After the special exhibition, BMW Group Classic will completely overhaul the BMW 507 and restore its 1950s charm. After its presentation, the press celebrated the new model by young designer Albrecht Graf Goertz as a "dream from the Isar". Today, it is not only the model that Elvis Presley drove that is a coveted collector's item.
The special exhibition "Elvis' BMW 507: lost & found" runs from July 24 to August 10 at the BMW Museum. Admission costs 9 euros (reduced 6 euros), the BMW Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and on public holidays from 10:00 to 18:00.
Further information can be found on the museum website.
