H&H Classic Auction  @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
24th of April, 2024 13:00

1957 BMW 502
Believed to be 1 of only 12 supplied new to the UK Market
Estimate
£18, 000 - £22, 000

Registration No: HSK 533
Chassis No: 62941R
MOT: Exempt

Believed to be one of only twelve cars supplied to the UK Market
Understood to have been under the custodianship of only two owners in the last 50 years
Subject to recent extensive recommissioning work including body and paintwork

Introduced at the first Frankfurt Motor Show in 1951, the BMW 501 platform was the first BMW model to be manufactured and sold after the Second World War, and was the first BMW car built in Bavaria. An all new design, the car was designed with a perimeter frame, torsion bar suspension all round with double A arms at the front. The car was fitted with the M337 six-cylinder engine which was a development of the unit used in the pre-war BMW 328. Shortly into production however, it was deemed that the car was underpowered compared to the Mercedes-Benz 220SE which was its nearest competitor. In 1954, the chassis was finally graced with a new 2. 6 Litre V8 engine, which was essentially a scaled down imitation of the Oldsmobile Rocket engine, however unlike the Detroit built cast iron leviathan, the neat BMW unit was formed from Aluminium and produced 100 horsepower. Launched at the 1954 Geneva Motor Show, the new V8 variant was born as the BMW 502, at the time of its introduction, the published 99mph top speed reportedly made it Germany's fastest passenger saloon in production.

First registered on the 4th December 1957, little is known of the early history of HSK 533. However, it is understood that HSK 533 was bought in the late 1960s / early 1970s by Leslie H. Trainer, the founder of Trainer BMW of Swansea. After the purchase by Mr Trainer, it is understood that the dealership undertook an extensive overhaul which included replacement of at least some (if not all) of the Red Velour interior trim. It is understood that the result of this overhaul was that the car was a recurring winner of the BMW International Concours D'Elegance during the early 1980s, until the car was laid up in 1991. Bought by the vendor from auction in 2016 as a joint project to be shared with the owner of a well established classic motoring magazine, the car was found to be in a delapidated state and the vendor decided at this point to undertake a number of works which included areas of rust repair, paint and mechanical work which included the repair of a crack in the engine block. The vendor is a stickler for originality and as many original parts were procured as possible, which included the use of a new old stock (but slightly surface rusted) pair of bumpers. The vendor is now deciding to sell due to advancing years and a large number of other projects that require more of his time.

The vendor has advised that now that the works to the body have been completed, the body can be described as 'good', however the paintwork was not completed with a show winning finish in mind because of the vendor's willingness to use the car so this can be judged as 'fair'. The gorgeous red velour interior appears to survive in a gorgeous, patinated condition with only small areas to improve if felt necessary. The dashboard lacquer is in overall intact condition with only small areas where veneer would require attention. All gauges are intact and all appear to work apart from the fuel gauge. Mechanically, the brakes and engine have been overhauled and the vendor advised that the car 'starts and runs well' and moves well under its own steam with the transmission appearing to be in 'good working order'.

If you are looking to acquire a good, working piece of rare German automotive history that is unusual, yet luxurious and a pleasure to drive around in, this rare 502 may be a great alternative to the usual Mercedes-Benz 220SE or 300 Adenaur.