1957 | BMW 503

1957 | BMW 503 Cabriolet – The Red Temptation for the Hautevolee

There are convertibles – and then there is the BMW 503. A car that doesn’t merely drive, it strolls. Built not only to be fast but to shine with grace along the boulevards. And this one? A particularly rare jewel: one of just 139 BMW 503 Cabriolets ever built. A rolling monument of post-war elegance that could outshine even a Ferrari in its scarlet dress.

Time Capsule – The Economic Miracle on Four Wheels
In 1957, Germany was rising. BMW introduced the 503 for diplomats, industrialists, and film stars – not the average citizen. Designed under the discerning eye of Albrecht Graf Goertz, the man behind the legendary 507, the 503 was the more refined, understated sibling – no less desirable.

This car hit the road on July 1st, 1957. From the start, it was never just a mode of transport – it was a statement.

Engineering – Grand Touring in an Aluminum Suit
Beneath the elegantly sculpted aluminum body lies a 3.2-liter V8 engine producing 140 hp. Mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox, it’s not a sports car, but it could still cruise effortlessly at over 190 km/h.

It was a technical marvel of its time:

✔️ Electrohydraulic convertible top and power windows
✔️ Power-assisted brakes
✔️ Oil pressure & water temperature gauges
✔️ Cigar lighter – standard, of course
✔️ Combined ignition/steering lock – early theft protection

Equipment – Yesterday’s Luxury, Unthinkable Today
BMW didn’t boast horsepower – it boasted features:

✅ Tachometer and trip odometer
✅ Comprehensive tool kit
✅ Reclining foam-padded seats
✅ Laminated windscreen
✅ Electric windshield washer
✅ Asymmetric low beam (from ~1958)
✅ Engine bay light, lockable fuel cap – all thought through.

And more: this example comes with a Becker radio (auto search), fine leather upholstery, fitted carpets, and classic whitewall tires that perfectly offset the car’s red elegance.

A Car with History – and Poise
With a recorded mileage of only 10,171 km and carefully preserved in a German private collection, this is no showpiece – it’s a museum-quality collectible, fully ready for a stylish drive across the Alps or a weekend at the lake.

Conclusion – For Those Who Found the 507 Too “Loud”
The BMW 503 Cabriolet is a true gentleman’s classic. Less flashy than a Jaguar XK, more refined than an Italian spider – but technically advanced and supremely elegant. With just 139 built, it’s a piece of automotive history and design brilliance.

Looking for more than just a classic car – something that captures an era, a feeling, a lifestyle? This is it.