Highlights
- Extensive restoration 12 years ago by one of the best specialists available
- Owned by well known collectors in Spanish classic car clubs
- Officially registered as a historic Spanish vehicle
The Appeal
Barockengel. A common nickname for the lavish BMW, meaning Baroque Angel, referencing the flowing curves of the body style being reminiscent of the Baroque era. Being introduced to the public in 1951 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, alongside its much less costly and production-ready rival the Mercedes 220, the BMW 501 made an extremely solid impression thanks to the impeccable quality, fantastic engineering and its sheer extravagance.
Costing over a whopping fifteen thousand Deutsche Mark, which was more than four times the average yearly salary in Germany of the time, it was a luxury that not many would ever get to experience. This was a car for the people who were used to living a life of luxury, and even just by looking at it, that in itself is evident!
This particular example has passed hands through collectors over the years, well respected ones at that, and has had a very comprehensive restoration around 12 years ago by one of the best specialists available. No expense was spared here, and even a decade later, it’s still as exemplary as ever!
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on 04/05/1956
- Government test valid until 15/05/2023
- Original BMW owners manual
- Copies of original BMW owners manual
- Independent garage service history
- Matching numbers example
- Wonderfully restored 12 years ago by one of the best specialists available, with no regards to cost
- Previous two owners were avid and well known classic car collectors in Spain
- Current owner purchased the vehicle from a collector in Andalusia
The Interior
- Amazingly retrimmed during restoration process
- Carpets are in perfect condition
- Headlining in outstanding shape
- All door cards beautifully presented
- Brightwork throughout the interior is lovely
- Original gauges and switches
- Original radio
- Functional clock above the rear-view mirror
- In truly “see it to believe it” condition
- Original leather wrapped BMW toolkit
Akin to time-travelling back to the 50’s and drooling over one of these upon unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show, this 501 is in outstanding condition inside, as you’d expect from such a comprehensive and well-done restoration inside and out! Upon opening the door you’re introduced to sheer opulence, burgundy fabric seats and cream leather laced throughout, with a cream painted dashboard facia to compliment it. Truly, a breath-taking sight!
Climbing into the plush and comfortable drivers seat, the large cream and chrome steering wheel presents a nice driving position, with a clear view ahead of the original dials which show a mere 73,342 kilometres. The original fuel gauge sits just beside the speedometer as do the original oil pressure and temperature gauges, and just a little further across to the right, in the centre of the facia sits the functional radio, showing a very gentle amount of welcome patina.
Moving to the rear of the 501, through those unmistakable suicide rear doors, much of the same appears here. Gorgeously retrimmed burgundy seats with the same material on the door cards, and more of that lovely cream leather laced throughout too. Brightwork throughout the interior seems wonderfully kept. The headlining is finished in cream leather and the convenience light still works as it should in the centre.
It appears that there really is nothing poor to report here. There are touches of originality throughout the car which finish it off beautifully paired with the incredible opulence which radiates from every nook and cranny. A truly well sorted example of a luxurious 50’s BMW.
The Exterior
- Gorgeous burgundy paintwork
- Straight and true body panels with panel gaps of factory fitment
- Wonderfully presented brightwork with very gentle patina
- Recently fitted whitewall tyres
- Paint-matched wheels with chrome hub caps
- Original BMW badges
- Window and door seals replaced at time of restoration
- Scuff on the right side chrome side skirt
- Very small micro blisters on the right rear arch beside the chrome trim
At first glance, it’s hard to believe that it’s a BMW. Beautiful flowing lines and voluptuous curves showcase much of that “Baroque Era” styling that its nickname derived from. Quite a sight, wouldn’t you agree? Especially in such beautiful condition.
Starting at the front of the Barockengel we see the all famous and original kidney grills which present themselves in lovely condition, featuring an AA and RAC badge. The front headlights appear in wonderful shape with the lenses showing no signs of any damage or cracks and remain wonderfully clear, as does the brightwork which encompasses them. The paintwork here is lovely, too, only showing some small stone chips from the little use it’s had over the years, but nothing to moan about that’s for sure! The original BMW badge sits atop the grills like a crowned jewel, so you know you’re in the presence of something special.
Moving around to the side of the vehicle we get a better look at those voluptuous curves laced over the car and the gentle brightwork that accentuates it all. The front wings still have their indicators present with the driver side mirror sitting proudly, the brightwork flowing and following the curve of the arch leading down into the doors to eventually meet the rear arch. You just don’t see bodywork like this anymore, and it’s a real shame! We’re also introduced to the gorgeous paint-matched wheels with chrome hub caps shod in period-correct whitewall tyres which were only put on the car just a year prior. The panels appear wonderfully straight and true with factory fitment body panels and well maintained paintwork. The only things to nit-pick here would be the right side chrome skirt with a small scuff, which is very easily overlooked, and the small micro blisters found on the rear right arch beside the chrome trim.
Following those flowing body lines, we reach around to the rear of the vehicle and we're presented with something simplistic and oh-so-beautiful. The rear arches flow down and around the bottom of the boot lid to meet one another just above the chrome bumper trim, which houses the small rear lights, all of which appear to be in lovely condition with no signs of damage. The large voluptuous boot lid still wears the original BMW emblem just above the handle, and inside of which hides the original BMW toolkit in its leather pouch as well as a full sized spare wheel.
Really, it has to be seen in the flesh to be appreciated to the level it deserves. A beautiful restoration that has been well cared for over the years, this 501 is ready to turn some heads and drop some jaws. You just don’t see cars like this anymore.
The Mechanics
- Matching numbers example
- 1971cc inline 6 -cylinder engine
- Rear wheel-drive configuration
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Independent garage service history
- Mechanically flawless
Firing up that inline 6-cylinder engine is as easy as can be, with no struggle whatsoever it breathes to life and idles perfectly. The current custodian of the vehicle reports that the car really does drive like new, as it underwent a great mechanical overhaul to ensure that everything was in perfect working order. The ride is smooth, the power is produced in a predictable and linear fashion, and the obscure column-shifted manual transmission shifts smoothly with no unwelcomed clunks or noises. It really is like being transported back to 1956.
The first thing to jump out at you may be “wait, where's the gear stick?”, fret not. It’s mounted just behind the steering wheel on the steering column. The gearbox in these vehicles wasn’t actually bolted up to the engine in the typical form, instead it was a separate shaft-driven unit mounted between the second and third cross-members, which led to a complicated gear linkage system, however it vastly improved legroom for front passengers thanks to the absence of a typical floor mounted shifter.
Summary
An extremely rare and desirable BMW, in such wondrous conditions throughout, is a very hard find. And it’s only going to get more difficult from here on out with collectors hiding them in the quiet corners of Europe. Matching numbers, comprehensively restored, and a stunning colour scheme is surely enough to have your jaw swinging in admiration.
This 501 is an absolute gem, one that you’re guaranteed to regret letting slip through your fingers. We know we would.
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