With only 252 units ever manufactured between 1956 and 1959, the BMW 507 has achieved an iconic status in the automotive industry. Car enthusiasts around the world covet this incredibly rare vehicle and seek to add it to their collections. Adding to its allure, this particular BMW 507 was once owned by the legendary Elvis Presley, also known as “The King” or “The King of Rock & Roll”.
In December 1958, Elvis Presley purchased the BMW 507 from a used car dealer. This car holds a unique history as it accompanied him during his military service in the US. The vehicle’s chassis number, 70079, was meticulously recorded at the time.
Initially, Elvis Presley found the white color of the car troublesome as it required frequent cleaning to remove lipstick marks and love messages left by his adoring female fans. To address this inconvenience, he decided to have the BMW 507 repainted in red.
After completing his military service in March 1960, Elvis Presley sold the BMW 507 to a Chevrolet dealer for a mere $4,500. Tommy Charles, the owner of a local radio station, purchased the car. Tommy later attempted to fit a Chevrolet engine into the BMW 507, which required modifying the car’s framework and replacing certain interior components like the gearbox and rear axle. Tommy Charles successfully competed in a race in Daytona Beach with this modified BMW 507 and ultimately sold it in 1963.
Subsequently, the BMW 507 with chassis number 70079 passed through the hands of two additional female owners before engineer Jack Castor stored it in his warehouse, unaware of its true history. In 2011, Jack Castor discovered that his BMW 507, with chassis number 70079, had been previously owned by Elvis Presley thanks to an article in Bimmer magazine. BMW approached Jack Castor for negotiations to repurchase and restore the car according to his wishes.
In early 2014, Elvis Presley’s BMW 507 was transported to Germany and showcased in a special exhibition called “Elvis’ BMW 507 – Lost and Found” at the BMW Museum. The car was then taken to the BMW factory for a complete restoration, including reverting the exterior paintwork back to its original white color, updating the interior, and installing an equivalent original engine under the hood.
The restoration process presented a significant challenge for the BMW engineers as many original parts were no longer available. They had to repair or replace the damaged components using modern technology. Advanced 3D printing played a crucial role in restoring lost or damaged details of the vehicle. However, finding a replacement V8 engine with a 3.2-liter capacity specific to the BMW 507 proved to be the most difficult task due to the limited production of only 252 units and the passage of nearly 60 years. As a result, the BMW engineers had to source and assemble separate engine parts to restore the V8 engine to its original specifications.
The legendary BMW 507, once owned by Elvis Presley, has now been restored to its original appearance from 1958. The exterior of the car has been repainted in a dazzling white, and all damaged components have been repaired or replaced, restoring the car’s luxurious and glamorous features. The interior space showcases a sporty yet elegant design that combines bright white elements with chrome details. The BMW engineers have successfully fulfilled Jack Castor’s dream by expertly recreating the BMW 507’s initial charm. Unfortunately, Jack Castor did not live to witness the incredible results as he passed away in November 2014.
Recently, the BMW 507, representing the legacy of Elvis Presley, was showcased at Pebble Beach on August 18, 2016. This exhibition celebrated the brand’s value, paid homage to the rock & roll legend Elvis Presley, and showcased the priceless heritage of Jack Castor.
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