BMW 503 coupe, 1958
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Updated: 11-December-2023 14:18

BMW 503 coupe, 1958 | € 265.000,--

Information
Model information
Make history

BMW 503 coupé, year 1958. Chassis number 6934X. Colour blue metallic with a beige leather interior and beige carpet. This wonderful and very rare BMW 503 was delivered new in Belgium at the end of 1958. This is a model from the second series with the gearbox directly coupled to the engine and with floor shift. This very exclusive automobile was purchased by Mr. H. Ruhé (former owner Amicale Facel Holland) at a classic car show in Belgium, after which an extensive restoration followed by Amicale Facel Holland. In 2012 the car was rebuilt. Due to a lack of time, the BMW was put in storage until 2016. In that year the car made ready to run, to be tested on the road, fine-tuned, and put on a Dutch registration by Classic Job. In the same year this gorgeous BMW 503 was part of the exhibition '100 years of BMW' at the InterClassics in Maastricht.
The restoration. During the restoration many new original parts were used. The aluminium body was restored to top condition; for this even a new nose was made on the original factory moulds, a new front bumper was also made after an original example. The chassis has been extensively restored and overhauled. The engine and rear axle had only a few miles on them, they were completely disassembled, inspected, and rebuilt using new parts and gaskets. The interior and trunk have also been extensively restored; the headliner, the carpet and the trunk lining have been renewed, the beautiful leather of the seats and door panels has been restored, so that the original atmosphere has been preserved. A very extensive photo report of the restoration is available. CLICK HERE to view a photo report made immediately after the restoration, including photos of the underside.
In 2018, the car was fully serviced by Classic Job, everything was checked, and an engine compression test was also performed. Compression on all eight cylinders OK! Because the engine made a lot of revs in modern (highway) traffic with the original 4-speed gearbox, it was decided to look at a modification. This solution was found with the installation of a BMW/Getrag 5-speed gearbox. This gearbox was installed by a BMW specialist in the year 2020. The original (overhauled) 4-speed gearbox is present and can be re-fitted without any problem.
This very exclusive BMW 503 is factory equipped with the delightful 140 hp V8 engine and electric windows. The car is equipped with a stainless-steel exhaust system, adjustable EZ electric power steering and an additional electric cooling fan. You will also find a beautiful classic Philips Coupé SE radio with FM and an automatic antenna.
The BMW 503 was introduced in the same period as the legendary 507, which shares the same technology. Both car models were designed by Graf Goertz. The sporty 503 and 507 models were positioned above the 502 'Barock Engel'. BMW hoped for major sales successes in the top class, but due to the improbably high pricing (41,900 guilders in the Netherlands), the cars remained a rare sight. Only 412 BMW 503s were built between 1956 and 1960, of which 273 coupes and 139 convertibles. For comparison, 254 of the BMW 507 were built in the same period.
This is a rare BMW 503 coupé, a collector's item in wonderfully restored condition, seldomly offered for sale.

This BMW is for sale at Classic Job.
Price: € 265,000, -.

AFH 1610

The BMW 503 was designed by Count Albrecht von Goertz who was also responsible for the famous BMW 507 (which was based upon the 503).
The 503 was presented on the 'Salon de Genève' in the year 1955 as successor of the 502 model. The 503 however, was place more up-market. Like the 502 the 503 featured a fabulous 3.2 litre V8 engine and a full aluminium bodywork. The BMW 503 convertible was the first German cabriolet with an electrically powered hood.
The BMW 503 was a very expensive automobile to be compared with Rolls Royce and other very exclusive makes. The 503 was sold for a staggering 30.000 Mark in the late fifties of the twentieth century. The automobile was available as a two door coupe and as a two door convertible. Only 412 BMW 503 models have been built, 273 coupe models and 139 convertibles. Nowadays the 503 is a very rare and highly desirable classic.

Technical data*

V8 engine (OHV)
cylinder capacity: 3168 cc.
carburettors: 2 x Zenith 32 NDX
capacity: 140 bhp at 4800 rpm
torque: 215 Nm at 3800 rpm
top-speed: 190 km/h – 119 mph
acceleration 0-100 km/h: 13 sec.
gearbox: 4-speed, manual (floor-shift)
brakes: power-assisted hydraulic drum brakes all round
dimensions LxBxH in meters: 4,75 x 1,71 x 1,40
electrical system: 12V
weight (empty): 1475 kg.

*Source: BMW Sportwagen by Schneider/ Simons

Seller: Classic Job
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Phone: +31 (0)529 481 385
De Vesting 24
7722 GA Dalfsen
Netherlands