Description
Story: The V8 BMW Type 502 was dubbed the king of the motorway in the 1950s. With this car, BMW built for the first time a V8 engine, which was one of the first large-series aluminium engines in the world. After overcoming financial difficulties, the new BMW model was first presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1954: the BMW 502. It was the first German eight-cylinder car after the war, with the engine itself being the world’s first eight-cylinder produced in aluminium die-cast. The body, frame and transmission were unchanged from the six-cylinder model 501. Thus the 502 also featured a gearbox separated from the engine block, which further improved the running smoothness of the silk-smooth V8 engine that did not fear comparison with American eight-cylinders. This "Baroque Angel" is one of the few vehicles delivered to Switzerland that first hit the road in 1957. And it is the only example we know of with the large factory folding roof. In 1994 the proud limousine was taken over by its current owner and comprehensively restored in several stages, with the entire mechanicals being continually overhauled. For the last MOT/ veteran inspection, a major service was carried out and since then it has covered 300 kilometres. Bodywork and paintwork: The original paint finish is still in excellent condition after many years since the restoration and requires neither repair nor touching up. The accident-free vehicle is undamaged; the body, gaps and instruments are flawless. Interior: The fine fabric interior is pristine. Only the foam inserts are somewhat yielding and show their age. The wood of the dashboard and the trim is still in excellent restored condition. The headlining with the coveted folding roof, which was replaced at the time, is like new and functional. Engine and mechanicals: The entire mechanics are in very good condition, recently overhauled (CHF 4, 000 for the last MOT) and only require another inspection, which will be carried out when purchasing the vehicle. Chassis: The running gear, suspension and brakes have been overhauled for the Swiss MFK (MOT) and have passed the test. The underside is in very good condition and has only two older, expertly executed weld repairs. Driving experience: The king of the motorway earns this title rightly. The 502 is silk-smooth and loves fast roads as well as the motorway. With the permitted six passengers it will surely have to work harder than a current V8 with its just over 100 hp, but it transports driver and passengers to the destination in relaxed comfort. Recommendation: A Baroque Angel is not very common any more, as the restoration effort for such a car usually exceeds its value. V8 models have become rare, and examples with the original folding roof are hardly to be found. This specimen impresses with its excellent restoration and care over the last 30 years by its owner, who himself is involved with vehicles. The fact that it is a Swiss first delivery is another argument for assigning this specimen collector status.
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