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They were nicknamed
"Baroque Angels" because their flowing lines reminded people of the carved wooden figures of the Baroque period.
First
shown at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1951, the 501 followed in the tradition of
BMW's spacious pre-war cars.
The first car in the series, the 501, had an updated version of the pre-war 2.0
liter six-cylinder engine. In 1954, this was supplemented by a 2.6 liter
V8 with 50% more horsepower.
In 1954, BMW introduced the BMW 502 Sedan at the Geneva auto show. The new Sedan featured BMW's new light-metal 2.6 liter V-8, the most modern of its day and Germany's first eight since the War.
The 502, although available in sedan, coupe and cabriolet, was never produced in great numbers. The starting price of DM 17,800 (at a time when a teacher could earn DM 200-300 per month) might explain that.
Later, the 502 got a new, big bore 3.2 liter V8.
The 501 V8 remained unchanged, but the six-cylinder 501's were enlarged to 2.1
liters. In 1957 the 3.2 liter V8 was increased for the 502 3.2 liter
Super.
Front disc brakes were standard on the 3.2 Super in 1959 and on the standard 3.2 in 1960. The six-cylinder 501's ceased production in 1961. The 2.6 liter model was renamed the 2600. It too had front disc brakes and it was joined by the 2600L with more power and better trim. The 3.2 became the 3200L and the 3.2 Super became the 3200 Super (also known as the 3200S). Its 160bhp V8 made it the fastest saloon then made in Germany and among the fastest in the world.
The 503
was first shown at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1955. Only 139 Cabriolets were built from 1956 to 1960.
Designed by Count Goertz, the 503 cabrio was the first German convertible with an electric
top.
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BMW 502
competes in
La
Carrera
Panamericana race in Mexico.
BMW 2600L
Baroque Angel.
Models:
Other:
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