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The restored classic BMW 507 was once owned by the “King of Rock and Roll”, Elvis Presley. It will be at the Zentrum museum until spring 2017.
BMW will reopen the iconic Zentrum museum, located in Greer beside the largest BMW plant in the world, to the public on Monday.
Manfred Erlacher, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing, and Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO of BMW of North America, celebrated the reopening by unveiling the restored classic BMW 507 once owned by the “King of Rock and Roll”, Elvis Presley. It will be at the museum until spring 2017.
“The Zentrum is symbolic of many things, but first and foremost, it is the only BMW museum in America,” said Erlacher. “It is also a landmark, a gathering place, and a venue where BMW displays and celebrates its history.”
While BMW’s historic fleet will still be an important part of the Zentrum experience, visitors will have more opportunities to see current BMW models, including X models manufactured at the Greer plant and BMW sedans.
Several striking displays promote BMW sub-brands such as the BMW i and BMW M.
The museum also includes a 15x25-foot video wall that broadcasts high-definition films about the factory as well as BMW commercials and product films.
“We are very excited with the changes and new exhibits that associates and customers will experience,” said Amber Scruggs, Zentrum and Communications Specialist.
Elvis’ BMW 507 was originally discovered in the summer of 2014 in California. The condition of the car was a cause for concern, however, a project managed by BMW Group Classic succeeded in restoring the automobile.
The car was restored after two years of restoration work.
Presley took delivery of the car in December, 1958: with paintwork finished in Feather White, the 150-hp V8 aluminum engine, center-lock rims, black-and-white interior, and a Becker Mexico radio.
Factory tours will originate from the Zentrum once tours resume in 2018.