I really like this new BMW 507-inspired body conversion based on BMW Z3 from body kit conversion meisters, Tribute Automotive.

Pic courtesy of Tribute Automotive

The Dorset-based company is renowned for its innovative and affordable bodykits and among them are several based around the BMW Z3, including their take on the AC Cobra (Kobra) and several exotic-flavoured models.

Their latest arrival – also Z3-based – is a convincing pastiche on the lovely BMW 507 Roadster. A beautiful car, the BMW 507, was only made between 1956-59 and was intended for the US market.

Porsche importer North America, Max Hoffman also handled the BMW brand in the US and he suggested to the manufacturer’s big wigs that they should chop the roof off a 501 saloon to give him a less expensive rival to the popular Mercedes-Benz 300SL to sell.

Actually, it wasn’t just a case of taking the roof off. There was a bit more to it than that! For the production 507, they used a 503 Saloon chassis and took around 12in from it to give them the wheelbase and dimensions they wanted.

Pic courtesy of Tribute Automotive

Hoffman was an interesting man. He was born in Austria, but his family had moved to New York when he was a child. He represented several other luxury European marques in the US including Mercedes-Benz, VW and Alfa Romeo, along with Porsche and BMW.

He was the man who suggested the 300SL Gullwing to Mercedes-Benz and perhaps most famously it was he who devised the stripped out, less expensive Speedster version of the Porsche 356 for the North American market.

The images here (courtesy of Tribute’s Facebook page) show a mocked-up Tribute 507 although clearly show the appeal this model will have. Like the company’s Kobra, what a supreme use of a structurally sound but ailing Z3 Roadster.

Kit prices have been announced and will cost £3995 plus VAT. We’ll hopefully have more on this one in the near future.

Pic courtesy of Tribute Automotive

I think this one is going to be a popular addition to the company’s range and more information and details of availability are available from  www.tributeautomotive.co.uk or by calling 07901 544 241 ENDS.