The BMW 503: An Underrated Classic Car from Germany

Rare ONES - Did you know that the BMW 503 is one of the early models created by the German automotive giant, yet it remains relatively unknown to the public? This elegant two-door 2+2 grand tourer was produced by BMW from 1956 to 1959, a period when the world was recovering from the war and economies were starting to thrive again.

The BMW 503 (pictured in the Cabriolet model of 1956) was an elegant two-door 2+2 grand tourer produced by BMW from 1956 to 1959. (Picture from: BMW Group Classic)

The story of the BMW 503 begins with American car dealer Max Hoffman's request to BMW to create a vehicle that could rival the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. The 503 made its debut at the 1955 Geneva Motor Show, where it was presented exclusively as a left-hand drive model.

The BMW 503 (pictured in the Cabriolet model of 1956) was designed by the esteemed Count Albrecht Goert, and made its debut at the 1955 Geneva Motor Show, where it was presented exclusively as a left-hand drive model. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Designed by the esteemed Count Albrecht Goertz, who also designed the iconic Datsun 240Z, the BMW 503 was sold alongside the 501 and 502 sedans. This model marked a significant departure from BMW's pre-war designs, characterized by its tall, narrow engine compartments and curvaceous fenders.

The BMW 503 (pictured in the Cabriolet model of 1956) was a blend of modernity and elegance, featuring flush bodywork with matching doors and fenders. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The body of the BMW 503 was a blend of modernity and elegance, featuring flush bodywork with matching doors and fenders. The design included a long hood and a short cabin with four windows that could roll down, giving it the appearance of a cabriolet rather than a typical coupe. Its narrow, tall kidney grille paid homage to the last BMW coupes manufactured before World War II.

Inside, the BMW 503 was the epitome of luxury for its time. The interior boasted a clean and sophisticated design, complete with three round gauges and a metal dashboard. The dash was adorned with ivory-colored buttons that enhanced the car's luxurious feel. The cabin could comfortably accommodate four passengers, making it a practical yet stylish choice.

The BMW 503 (pictured in the Coupe model of 1956) featured a narrow, tall kidney grille that paid homage to the last BMW coupes manufactured before World War II. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

At the time, buyers had the option of choosing between two different steering wheels. One design featured four spokes in an X pattern, while the other had two spokes reminiscent of an airplane's wings. The dashboard included three buttons concealed by a small lip, a unique feature at the time. A centrally located radio added to the car's modern amenities.

The BMW 503 (pictured in the Coupe model of 1956) offered two steering wheel styles, one with four spokes in an X pattern, and featured a centrally located radio that added to the car's modern amenities. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Under the hood, the BMW 503 was powered by a robust 3.2-liter V8 engine capable of producing up to 140 horsepower. Unlike the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, which utilized a direct injection fuel system, BMW engineers opted for a more traditional carburetor system. This power was delivered to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual gearbox, providing a thrilling driving experience.

The other steering wheel had two spokes reminiscent of an airplane's wings and was complemented by three round gauges and a metal dashboard. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

The 503 was available in both coupe and cabriolet body styles, developed alongside the more famous BMW 507 roadster. Unfortunately, both the 503 and 507 were priced significantly higher than initially projected, which meant they did not recoup their development costs. During its production run from May 1956 to March 1959, only 413 units of the BMW 503 were built, including 139 cabriolets. Despite its prestige, the high price tag led to significant financial losses for BMW.

The BMW 503 (pictured in the Coupe model of 1956) was powered by a robust 3.2-liter V8 engine capable of producing up to 140 horsepower, which was delivered to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual gearbox, providing a thrilling driving experience. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

By the late 1950s, BMW faced financial difficulties, teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. The company managed to turn its fortunes around by focusing on producing smaller, more affordable cars like the Isetta. While these models did not have the power or luxury of the 503, they were more accessible to a broader market and played a crucial role in BMW's recovery.

The BMW 503 stands as a testament to the brand's dedication to innovation and luxury. It is a model that showcases the company's ability to blend style, performance, and elegance, even in challenging times. As we look back at the history of BMW, the 503 remains a symbol of resilience and ingenuity, reminding us of the brand's storied past and its journey towards becoming a leading name in the automotive world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BMW GROUP CLASSIC | ULTIMATECARPAGE | AUTOFUN | CLASSICDRIVER | WIKIPEDIA | WAY | AUTOEVOLUTION ]

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