BMW 503 Cabriolet 1956-1959 Photos, engines & full specs

A vehicle that impressed the car industry back in 1956, the BMW 503 cabriolet was the first one to feature an electric soft top as standard equipment. Its chassis was entirely made out of aluminum with its design not following any trends from abroad, entirely produced and designed at BMW.

The cabriolet was the 50s’ most expensive car, being the first one with a light alloy V8 engine that developed 150hp. The 503’s top speed was at 190 km/h. Its price equaled the price of a single family home at that time.

The elegant cabriolet was a luxury car produced in 139 units only and not many could afford it, being bought especially by wealthy people such as factory owners or film stars.

The vehicle was awarded with gold medals at car shows held in Romes, Lisbon, Wien and Cannes for its original and smooth design.

The technology used for the 503 was rather simple, the car offering great comfort for long trips. Most of the technical parts were kept from the bigger sedans, the 501 and the 502 - the frame, the engine, the transmission and the axles were almost identical.

It seemed like the new 503 represented a turning point for the BMW design, shifting to a cleaner, simpler look with the proportions of a grand turismo - long hood and short rear end.

The interior of the 503 was beautiful and clean, with 3 round gauges and a metal dashboard, plus a few ivory colored buttons that completed the luxurious design.

By the late 50’s, BMW got on the verge of bankruptcy and managed to save itself by producing small cars like the Isetta. Of course, none of them had the power of the 503, but were nevertheless more affordable.