Former King of Greece, Constantine II, 1959 BMW 507 is up for sale

• SOLD NEW TO HRH PRINCE CONSTANTINE II OF GREECE
• 1959 BMW 507 SERIES II ROADSTER
• CHASSIS NO. 70227
• One of only 252 Series I and II cars built
• Automotive design icon by Albrecht Graf Goertz
• Present ownership for 29 years
• Professionally restored by marque specialist Brummer to the highest standards in the early 1990s
• Participated in the model's 60th anniversary celebrations
• Eligible for numerous prestigious events

This glamorous Series II example was first owned by HRH Prince Constantine II of Greece, and carried the numberplate '36'. When owned by the Prince, the car was fitted with a Nardi steering wheel and a Becker Mexico radio with automatic antenna.

The current owner bought the BMW in Greece in 1989, at which time it was in poor condition. He bought the car as a restoration project and immediately despatched it to Mr Brummer in Munich, renowned BMW V8 guru and 507 specialist, for a complete 'last nut and bolt' restoration to the highest standard. Mr Brummer agreed the restoration price of 300,000 DM and the deadline of three years to completion as fixed.

In the course of the restoration, the colour scheme was changed from dark silver to the original 507 colour 'Federweiss' (white) with a dark blue leather interior and matching soft-top as requested by the current owner. The engine, completely rebuilt at that time, is believed to produce 160hp. As promised by Brummer, the car was ready on time, and with a couple of hundred shakedown kilometres covered was declared perfect and ready for its second life. The current owner paid almost double the car's value at that time, but was determined to return this very important example, with its royal provenance, to 'as new' condition.

Since the restoration's completion the BMW has participated in many rallies and gatherings including the Mille Miglia (four times), Tour Auto, Trofeo Balenario (twice), Eifel Klassik (four times), Kitzbuhl Rally (twice), Ennstal Klassik (twice), 2000km Durch Deutschland, and eight BMW 507 gatherings including the 60th anniversary celebrations.

Today, almost 30 years after restoration and 55,000 kilometres later (the odometer was zeroed at the time of restoration), the car still looks new; clearly a restoration to the highest level that has held up extremely well. The beautiful dark blue leather interior has a beautiful patina yet shows hardly any wear.

The car is offered with a rare original owner's manual; original Greek plates '36'; BMW Veteranenclub Fahzeugbrief (1997); FIA Wagenpass (1994); BMW Classic certificate; FIVA pass; numerous photographs (restoration and afterwards, period shots in Athens, participating in rallies, etc); sundry invoices; Mille Miglia correspondence (1997); German registration papers; and a copy of the sales contract between Prince Constantine and the second owner (1961).

Do you want to buy this car, it will set you back € 1,900,000 - 2,300,000.

Click here to bid to bid at Bonhams auction house.