Elvis' BMW restored

The 507, a 1957 model and one of only 245 built between 1955 and 1959, was already a "used" car when Elvis purchased it in late 1958, while he was stationed in Germany with the US Army.

German racing driver and hillclimb champion Hans Stuck had not only raced the 507, but also driven it to shows and events as far afield as the UK and Belgium.

Originally painted Feather White, the car was resprayed red after Elvis fans regularly wrote slogans of love for the King on the car in lipstick!

 

While Elvis did bring the BMW back to the US with him in 1960, he sold it soon after. From there, the 507 was raced by a subsequent owner, who junked the original BMW V8 engine in favour of a Chevrolet V8, also replacing the gearbox, diff and instrumentation.

 

Stored since 1968, the car was thought lost until the new millennium, when research by a magazine writer and the then owner proved both the car's history and its Elvis connection.

After numerous discussions between BMW Group Classic and the owner, who had planned to restore the car himself, he sold it to BMW in 2014, on the proviso they restore the car along the lines he had planned.

 

After a short period on display in the BMW Museum in its 'barn find' state, the comprehensive restoration on the ex-Elvis 507 began, which included a new front frame carrier, all-new instrument panel, reconstructed seats, new window winders and door handles (created using 3D printing), while the BMW 3.2-litre V8 engine was completely rebuilt from spare parts held in stock at BMW Group Classic.

 

The BMW will make its official debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on 21 August, 2016.