RIDE-CT – Classic Cars Celebrating Classic Cars in Connecticut
FARMINGTON, CT – These days, upscale BMW models are among the most common on the road. They can only be called common, though, because of their popularity. But that wasn’t always the case.
For many, first memories of the BMW were made by the initial spotting in the United States of the sporty 1600 and 2002 models in the 1960s and 1970s. Before they appeared, the German brand hadn’t penetrated our consciousness.
And that’s what made a bright red BMW model parked by its lonesome on the grass at Sunday’s New England Concours d’Elegance at the Farmington Polo Club stand out. It looked a bit older than the aforementioned models but still contemporary.
That it lacked a window card giving its details made it even more mysterious.
It took some retracing of steps during the show before the strikingly beautiful BMW’s owner was finally located. The car belongs to collector Larry Tribble of Suffield, CT and it’s a 1958 BMW 503, a model which was built from 1956 to 1959.
Tribble explained that after World War II, BMW was trying to figure out what would sell in the U.S. The 503 was developed as a grand touring model, both as a coupe and cabriolet. The headlights, he said, “remind you of an American success story,” the two-seat, first generation Ford Thunderbirds of 1955-57.
An internet search after the concours revealed that only 413 examples of the BMW 503 were built, and only 139 were convertibles. “I hear there’s only maybe 10 left,” said Tribble, reporting that his 503 has 3.2-liter V8 engine with a four-speed transmission with shifter on the floor. It also a four-wheel torsion bar suspension.
“All the parts are original,” Tribble said, noting the BMW has power windows and a power top, “which was a big deal back in the day.”
Under the hood, besides the engine, is a factory-supplied tool kit. The trunk is substantial to accommodate golf clubs for owners who belonged to country clubs.
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Tribble, who declined to step in a front of a camera, described the 503 as a rare find that he bought at auction at Amelia Island, FL. “It’s a unique car. It’s very special, very drivable,” he said.
All it takes is one look at the BMW to realize it.
(Photos by Bud Wilkinson)
