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Highlights
- Historically important first post-war BMW
- One of only 26 examples built of which only 13 surviving
- Restored between 2014 and 2019 with invoices to confirm
- Only 100kms covered since completion
- FIVA card issued in 2023
- Available for viewing by prior appointment in Brno, Czechia
- Beautiful collector-quality V8 BMW coupe
The Appeal
The 501 was a statement of intent. The first post-war BMW was engineered to perfection. It even outshone its rivals from Mercedes-Benz.
It was a heavy design that needed more power. That arrived with the V8-powered 502. Power and engine capacity increased to 3.2litre and 140bhp and in late 1955 Bauer began building beautiful coupes. Launched at the 1955 Geneva Salon, these cars were the stars of the show, hailed for their exquisite build quality and fastidious attention to detail.
That all came at a price: the 502 coupe was incredibly expensive. Just 26 found buyers and only 13 survive.
This early 1955 car is a chance to relish all those qualities that were enjoyed by those Geneva Salon visitors. Finished in silver metallic over burgundy leather, it is of a standard that discerning collectors will surely admire. The work was undertaken between 2014 and 2019 and it has covered only 100kms since completion.
Whether you’re here for the engineering, the rarity, the car’s pivotal role in BMW’s history or because you simply admire beautiful cars, this example is a real treat. It is supplied with a 2023 FIVA certificate and will surely grace any collection.
History and Paperwork
- Registered in 1955
- One of the earliest Coupes built, which were only available from October 1955
- Extensively restored between 2014 and 2019
- Car has only covered 100kms since completion
- One of 26 built of which only 13 survive
- Expert report included which valued the car in 2018 before restoration completion
- FIVA card issued in 2023
- All documents checked and car photographed personally by seller, a high end dealer
- Chassis number 52449
The Condition
- Tasteful silver metallic paintwork with light blue tint
- Well kept paintwork as only 100kms covered since restoration
- Bodywork in good order with straight panels showing good fit and finish
- Chromework presents well with no visible damage and beautiful detailing
- Distinctive pillarless design with disappearing side rear windows
- Sits on painted steel wheels with chrome BMW-branded hub caps
- Retrimmed interior in attractive maroon leather
- Unmodified and fully restored cabin with factory correct detailing
- This includes wood veneer-finish dashboard and chrome switchgear
- Beautiful cream Bakelite factory correct steering wheel
- Bench-style individual front seats with spacious rear bench, all trimmed in quality leather
- Controls, switches, and instrumentation fully functional
Admiring this beautiful 502 coupe it is easy to see why visitors to the 1955 Geneva Salon rated it as the star of the show. The design is sculptural and very much of its own - it combines classic elements like the pillarless profile but without slavish copy,
Finished in silver metallic - there is a pleasingly light blue tinge to the paintwork - this lovely early 502 Coupe has been restored to a very high standard. The paintwork is complemented by a similarly high end maroon interior. The attention to detail is obvious inside and out, the interior in particular sticking closely to factory specifications.
With just 100kms covered since the five year restoration was completed in 2019 this car arrives with the buyer in very good order.
The Mechanics
- 3,168cc 140bhp V8 BMW engine
- 4spd manual gearbox with column shift
- Believed to be matching numbers
- 100kms covered since mechanical restoration completed in 2019
- Engine, gearbox and brakes said to operate correctly and without issue
BMW to Detroit to give its new car the extra power that it needed to match the looks. The resulting V8 delivers suitably effortless performance, later cars benefitting from extra capacity and a power hike to a heady 140bhp.
This car’s mechanicals were extensively rebuilt during the restoration by a high end specialist. With barely any use since completion it is said to be in very good mechanical condition with no issues for the buyer to contemplate.
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