Big and sturdy machines, the 500 series cars were BMW's mainstay from 1951 up until 1964. They were nicknamed Baroque Angels because their flowing lines reminded people of the carved wooden figures of the Baroque period.

Shown at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1951, the 501 was BMW's first post-war automobile. No cars were produced in 1951.

The only machinery available to BMW for building an engine was from the 30's 326 model, a straight six cylinder. 

The suspension system was totally new, featuring:

Independent front suspension

Torsion bar springs on all 4 wheels

A-frame live rear axle

Tubular cross-member chassis

Box section side-members