VIN: the unique BMW 507 Michelotti-Vignale 3200 chassis 70184

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History of chassis 70184

Chassis 70184 was a late Series 2 507 rolling chassis with disc brakes supplied by Alessandro Paolini & Figlio in Rome via the Italian BMW distributor, Casa dell’ Automobili.

It was ordered by renowned automotive stylist, Giovanni Michelotti, who had previously worked for most of the major Italian coachbuilders to include Stabilimenti Farina, Vignale, Allemano, Bertone, Ghia and Fissore.

At the time of delivery to Turin (on September 11th 1958), Michelotti was in the process of setting up his own design studio in collaboration with Vignale. He hoped a uniquely appointed 507 would help win a production contract from BMW.

The body for Michelotti’s 507 was fabricated in steel by Sergio Scaglietti in Modena. This was then mated to the chassis at the Vignale works in Turin.

The finished article was more upright and angular than the original 507. It combined elements of existing Italian designs from Alfa Romeo and Maserati, particularly at the front and rear. The modern interior was also completely new although some components (such as the steering wheel) were carried over. Electric windows were a feature not seen on the original 507.

Michelotti had originally planned to create a Coupe, but this decision was eventually reversed in favour of a Roadster with detachable hard top.

Upon completion, chassis 70184 was displayed at the 1959 Turin Motor Show which took place from October 31st to November 11th. With its dark red exterior over an off-white interior, the handsome 3200 Michelotti-Vignale received a very favourable reception.

Although no further copies were produced, Michelotti was rewarded with a contract to design the subsequent BMW 700.

Chassis 70184 subsequently disappeared from view until 1980, at which point it was sold to John Pelham, the 9th Earl of Chichester.

In turn, Pelham sold his unique 507 at the Sotheby’s Beaulieu auction in September 1986. The car had covered a little over 10,000km and the interior had been re-trimmed in black leather.

The sale price of £51,000 was more than twice 70184’s lower estimate. It was purchased by New York industrialist and car collector, Oscar Davis, who had it repainted bright red.

During Davis’ ownership, 70184 spent time on display in the Blackhawk Collection.

In 2006, the car was purchased by BMW to form part of the company’s Mobile Tradition heritage collection.

Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: BMW - https://www.bmw.com & RM Sotheby’s - https://rmsothebys.com/