Description
To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' The Tegernsee Auction event, 4 July 2026.
€250, 000 - €300, 000 EUR
One of just 78 aluminium-bodied Series I examples built
Well-documented chain of ownership from new
Presented in its factory exterior colour Papyrus White over black leather upholstery
Powered by its matching-numbers 3. 2-litre aluminium V-8 engine rated by the factory at 140 horsepower
Accompanied by an impressive array of original accessories, including its book set, jack, tool kit, and warning triangle in leather pouch
Produced from 1956 to 1959, the BMW 503 was revealed alongside the 507 at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show. Both cars were designed by the marque’s top designer, Albrecht Von Goertz, as a “money no object” statement to show the world the company’s capabilities.
Production of the full aluminium-bodied 503 Cabriolet began in 1956, featuring a tubular frame and an aluminium V-8 engine, all executed to a high level of craftsmanship. Series I cars were distinguished by a four-speed column gear shift, hydraulically operated windows, and cabriolet top. Only 139 Cabriolets were built across two series, likely due to the complexity of its engineering contributing to a relatively high purchase price of 29, 500 Deutsche Mark.
This beautifully preserved BMW 503 Series I retains a wonderful character and a well-documented ownership history. As recorded in its accompanying service book, the car was first delivered to Fa Bernhard Blumenfeld GmbH of Hamburg before being sold in 1973 to Danish BMW dealer Anders Bak Rasmussen, whose family retained it for 32 years. The car was then acquired by another Danish BMW enthusiast, who maintained it for a further 19 years, before it was sold to the consigning owner in 2024.
Accompanied by an impressive collection of original accessories, the car includes its service book, workshop and user manuals, previous registrations and invoices, tool kit, jack, and warning triangle in its leather pouch. The offering of this incredible 1950s BMW presents a fantastic opportunity to acquire an excruciatingly rare example of a 503 Cabriolet that has had just four owners in its near-70 years.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys. com/ auctions/ tc26/.
