For anyone who likes the BMW Z8, the original BMW Roadster it was modelled after is sure to impress. The 160HP 507 TS Roadster was originally based on the BMW 501/502 saloon models. This convertible was designed to challenge Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz on the sports car market. It featured a bodywork completely hand-made out of aluminium, and the novelty about this 507 Roadster was that every single bodywork was unique and no rooftop would match any other body style.
For optimal performance the engine was designed with only lightweight components, featuring an aluminium-alloy 3.2L V8 power-plant delivering up to 160 hp while mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. The 507 Roadster was discontinued in 1959 due to financial problems from BMW. As a result, only 252 units were assembled throughout its four years of production.
The BMW Z8 manufactured from 1999-2003 was designed as a styling exercise intended to evoke and celebrate the 1956-'59 BMW 507's classic BMW roadster style.
The below photos are of a mint condition 507 Roadster sitting on the showroom floor of a BMW dealer in Germany.
