Edmunds CarPool

To me, the BMW 507 is one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Its classic roadster proportions simply make my knees weak. I first saw the 507 in a gigantic encyclopedia of sports cars I received as a gift in the late 1980's. I was hooked instantly. Like most objects I covet, this car is far beyond my means. Nowadays, the price can approach $1 million.

Fortunately for me, I had the opportunity to drive one in 2007. It was part of the BMW Mobile Tradition collection and one of the noteworthy cars available to a few lucky journalists on a drive from Lake Como, Italy over the Alps into Switzerland. It did not disappoint.

All the expected charm was present -- delicate knobs and switches, a big thin steering wheel and a manual shifter that easily snapped into gear. What surprised me, however, was how modern it felt at the same time. In some ways, it reminded me of my 1995 Mustang GT, with its growly V8 and enough power to confidently motor past slower traffic. In terms of suspension, it felt confident when touring through villages and on long sweeping mountain passes. The limiting factors were the hard and narrow tires that gave me some anxious moments in the switchbacks that later turned to exhilaration.

It was this type of exhilaration that probably appealed to the BMW 507's most famous owners. Elvis Presley bought one and later gave it to Ursula Andress. She kept it for 20 years. Motorcycle and Formula One legend John Surtees still owns the one he received as a gift.

The 507's styling has held up exceptionally well over the years, with design cues influencing the Z3, Z8 and most recently the Z4. Low production numbers ensure the 507 will likely hold its very high value. In the end, the sales disaster the 507 became, ultimately served to make it one of the most collectable BMWs of all time.