Highlights

Rare Finnish-market example of BMW's iconic 'Baroque Angel'
Restoration completed in 2019
Fewer than 1,000 km driven since restoration
Engine rebuilt by specialist Pertti Ojala
Seats professionally reupholstered in cognac leather in 2025

The Appeal

The BMW 501, affectionately known as the 'Baroque Angel' for its distinctively curved, flowing bodywork, occupies a unique place in motoring history as the first car BMW manufactured after World War II. Produced in Munich between 1952 and 1958, the 501 re-established BMW as a builder of technically sophisticated, high-end motorcars, and today these elegant saloons are seldom seen on the open market.

This 1956 501 A is a rare Finnish-market example, originally sold new in Finland. It underwent a restoration completed in 2019, during which the bodywork was fully repainted in a period-correct deep green and the inline six-cylinder engine was rebuilt by specialist Pertti Ojala. With fewer than 1,000 km covered since the work was completed, the drivetrain remains essentially in its break-in period. The cabin was refurbished during the restoration and the seats were most recently reupholstered in 2025 in cognac leather, providing a warm contrast to the ivory steering wheel and dashboard. Colour-matched wheels, polished BMW hubcaps, and whitewall tyres complete the picture. The vendor states the car presents in very good order, noting only a minor scratch on one fender. Holding a valid technical inspection through to August 2027, this 'Baroque Angel' is ready to be enjoyed.

Key Information

Mileage: 81,967 km (indicated)
Country of registration: Finland
Technical inspection status: valid until August 2027
Technical specs: 1,971cc inline six-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual
Paperwork: Classic Data report supplied
IMG_9945 Jason Holland.jpeg 2.95 MB

The Detail

Exterior repainted in period-correct deep green during the 2019 restoration
Chrome brightwork present throughout
Colour-matched wheels fitted with polished BMW hubcaps and whitewall tyres
The vendor notes a minor scratch on one fender
Interior features an ivory-coloured steering wheel and dashboard
Period-correct instrumentation fitted
Carpeting refurbished as part of the 2019 restoration
IMG_1645 Jason Holland.jpg 3.26 MB

BEFORE YOU BUY

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