The Classiest Roadster of All Time

"Money Hustard" (moneyhustard) 09/24/2014 at 10:36 • Filed to: Classic Cars, Roadsters, BMW

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If you've never seen a BMW 507 Roadster in person, put it on your list, they are freaky-pretty. Considering that it actually preceded a long line of much more celebrated roadsters like the E-Type, the Alfa Duetto, the Lotus Elan, and of course the Mazda Miata, this car was downright revolutionary in mid 50's.

One of the guys at Heacock Classic posted !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , and I was reminded how much I love these cars. They are a pure expression of the roadster, and with 170 bhp in 1958 they weren't all that slow either.

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I mean, just look at this interior. Check out that prominent chrome ashtray, the white steering wheel that looks like it open the door on a futuristic space station, and the NOBS, the sweet sweet NOBS!

I defy you, world, to show me a classier roadster.

Sweet Trav > Money Hustard 09/24/2014 at 10:38

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It's this or the BMW

extraspecialbitter > Money Hustard 09/24/2014 at 10:38

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You have defeated the Internet. Impossible challenge is impossible.

GhostZ > Money Hustard 09/24/2014 at 10:39

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And ever since, no car has more assured that both driver and spectator will be adjusting their knobs.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > Money Hustard 09/24/2014 at 10:40

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Delahayes are pretty damn sublime. This is a 135 MS Faget.

Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa > Money Hustard 09/24/2014 at 10:41

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The most obvious choice is the W198 300 SL. Just look at that thing. The BMW is also good. They were from a part of time when even the Germans were doing the styling thing and not just spewing corporate faces and appliance looking cars.

PilotMan > Money Hustard 09/24/2014 at 10:43

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Money Hustard > Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa 09/24/2014 at 10:52

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I'm a huge fan of the Gullwing , but always though the convertible was a bit overwrought. Compared to the 507 it's almost gaudy, IMO.

Money Hustard > Sweet Trav 09/24/2014 at 10:54

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It's hard to be classy AND be that naughty-sexy.

Money Hustard > PilotMan 09/24/2014 at 10:56

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This response has made me waver slightly. The grand classics escaped my consideration here. When I think roadster I normally exclude cars that weigh so far north of 2 tons.

Sweet Trav > Money Hustard 09/24/2014 at 10:58

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Have you seen Natalie Dormer? Yes it is hard, but possible.

Money Hustard > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut 09/24/2014 at 10:59

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I know they weren't all like that, but I'm arbitrarily DQ'ing it because two-tone. Sublime is the exact right word for this car, though.

Money Hustard > Sweet Trav 09/24/2014 at 11:01

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Got me there, I suppose.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > Money Hustard 09/24/2014 at 11:04

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If I'm honest, the 135 MS is a weakling compared to the king of Delahayes.

Money Hustard > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut 09/24/2014 at 11:08

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They aren't called "Grand Classics" for nothing!

Cé hé sin > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut 09/24/2014 at 11:11

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Oooh, a Cotal semi automatic 'box. You don't see them every day.

KnowsAboutCars > Money Hustard 09/24/2014 at 11:22

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Going for the less obvious answer.

Money Hustard > KnowsAboutCars 09/24/2014 at 11:24

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A valid reply. My only commentary would be that the lack of doors may be uncouth.

PilotMan > Money Hustard 09/24/2014 at 11:28

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We're comparing a true classic against still post-war Deutschland. At a couple tons, the SSJ was probably still faster with a sustainable top speed of 130 MPH and 400 horsepower. The 507s were able to pull off 120 MPH.

The Duesenberg Special a largely stock SSJ chassis and engine, with driver Ab Jenkins did the following: "He delivered on his guarantee in October 1935, when he set a one hour record of 153.97 mph (247.79 km/h) and a twenty-four hour record of 135.57 mph (218.18 km/h) at a circuit on the Bonneville Salt Flats. The 24-hour record would be held until 1961."

Money Hustard > PilotMan 09/24/2014 at 11:52

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Yes, the Duesenbergs were horrifically powerful. Would be funny to see both of these things in the corners though. I doubt the Doozies ever had acceptable driving dynamics in anything other than a straight line.

CammedCTSV > Money Hustard 09/24/2014 at 12:01

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The only correct answer is Tom duPont, driving his duPont Model G Dual Cowl Phaeton Speedster. That Straight-8 torque....

A quote from Hemmings: He's well known across Florida and the Southeast for recognizing the utmost in collector cars and for handing out plenty of best in show trophies, but the tables were turned this weekend when the judges at the Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival handed Tom duPont of St. Petersburg, Florida, their Best in Show award for his 1929 duPont Model G Le Mans Speedster.

One of three duPonts in our collection, the Speedster is one of about 15 built by duPont and bodied by Merrimac to replicate the cars that the company built for that year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. Powered by a 125hp, 322-cu.in. Continental straight-eight, the Speedsters were guaranteed by duPont to top 100 MPH.

Andrew

duPont REGISTRY

Money Hustard > CammedCTSV 09/24/2014 at 12:04

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That's funny, Heaock Classic is actually is based out of Lakeland, where the Lake Mirror Classic takes place. I believe they are one of if not the primary sponsor of the event. I live in Winter Haven, the town over from Lakeland.

However, I don't believe this car is technically a roadster, on account of the two rows of seats it has.

It's a damn looker though, I can say that much!

Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa > Money Hustard 09/24/2014 at 13:19

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It must be gaudy, it is a Mercedes. I am actually the opposite, I am not such big fan of the Gullwing, yes it looks awesome, but if I amgiven the choice between the two will pick the roadster. Just something in my posh sector of the brain tells me to go dress posh, get white glowes and rain with my poshness over the plebs, where they can see me in all my glory. The roadster just invoke some feeling of grande, because it is a roadster the most associations with them are small, light and nible cars, something the 300 SL roadster is not.

Money Hustard > Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa 09/24/2014 at 13:44

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Well fortunately/unfortunately there's a slim chance either of us will have to decide between one or the other, have you seen what those things are going for at auction?:)