BMW 501 Classic Cars for Sale

The BMW 501 was a German luxury saloon car. It was in production between 1952 and 1958, and produced at the BMW factory in Munich. The BMW 501 was eventually succeeded by the similar 502 model.

The birth of the BMW 501

Although the company had produced a small number of cars in the late 1940s, the BMW 501 marked its return to mass production after the Second World War. The car was first exhibited to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1951, and was noted for its high level of equipment and luxury feel. Even BMW's main rival, Auto Union (later Audi) admitted that the BMW 501 seemed to be an impressive machine. The car was also admired for its curvaceous lines, including headlights worked into the front wings, still an unusual sight at that time. The BMW 501, which could seat five people, was nicknamed the "Baroque Angel".

Innovations in BMW 501 design

BMW's new car was seen as representing a fresh start for the German motor industry, even though the 501's engine was a development of a unit first seen in the early 1930s and struggled to propel the heavy vehicle at speed. Other aspects of the BMW 501's design were fresher, such as the rear live axle suspension and a remote gearbox which gave front seat passengers more legroom. The car was ahead of its time in terms of safety, including features such as side impact protection that would not become standard in the industry for several decades. The fuel tank was also placed beneath the rear seat, far from the engine, reducing the risk of fire in a crash.

The BMW 501's evolution

For the first two years, bodies for the BMW 501 were not produced at the Munich plant, but were instead brought in from coachbuilders in Stuttgart. The car's fuel consumption of 27 mpg was average for the time, but media reviews praised the car's comfortable ride. The 501 was officially available only in saloon form, but convertibles and coupé versions could be made to order by Baur of Stuttgart. In 1954, a facelifted BMW 501 was launched, known as the 501A, followed the next year by the 501B. These boasted more powerful engines, with the final model, the 501/3 of 1955, featuring a 2.6-litre V8 powerplant.