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.

The 501 was BMW's first post-war automobile. 

Starting in 1954, BMW produced several 501 models, including the 501A, 501B, 501/3, and 501 V8. 

• The 501A was produced as a 4-door Saloon, a 2-door Coupe, and a 2-door or 4-door Cabriolet.

• The 501B was only produced as a 4-door Saloon. This model had more luxurious trim and appointments than the 501A.

• From 1952 to 1954, 2,125 501 models were made.

The BMW 502 was introduced at the Geneva Auto Show in 1954. The 502's 2.6 liter powerplant was the world's first light-metal (aluminum), standard production V-8 engine.