Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 105
1958 BMW 501-8 Sedan Chassis no. 54989 Engine no. 12065
Sold for US$95,200 inc. premium
Lot 105
A beautifully restored 'Baroque Angel'
1958 BMW 501-8 Sedan
1958 BMW 501-8 Sedan
1958 BMW 501-8 Sedan
Chassis no. 54989
Engine no. 12065
Chassis no. 54989
Engine no. 12065
2,580cc OHV Hemi-head V8 Engine
Single Solex 2-bbl Downdraft Carburetor
100bhp at 4,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
Front Double A-Arms, Live Rear Axle, Torsion Bars
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*A handsome BMW sedan, rarely seen in North America
*Beautifully finished in silver over blue leather upholstery
*Robust 'hemi' V8 power with exceptional refinement
*High-quality restoration by European marque specialists
*Rare options and details including a Golde sliding canvas roof
*Suitable for concours events or touring
*Recent specialist attention
THE BMW 'BAROQUE ANGEL' SALOONS
First revealed at the 1951 Frankfurt Motor Show with production commencing October 1952, the 501 holds the distinction of being BMW's first production model of the postwar era. With its styling a clear homage to the company's prewar models, particularly the 326, the 501 was a thoroughly modern automobile offering vastly improved passenger comfort owing to its longer and wider dimensions. Featuring soft edges and flowing curves, the 501 was nicknamed "Barockenangel," translated to "Baroque Angel" in English, with the car's design language praised by none other than famed Italian stylist, Battista "Pinin" Farina. Based upon a solid box-section/tubular chassis with well-proven mechanicals, the 501 was exceptionally versatile and formed the basis for a diverse array of high-end offerings from BMW through the first half of the 1960s, supported by the Isetta and 700 at the entry level.
The eight-cylinder 501-8 was added in 1955, positioned immediately between the six-cylinder 501/3 and the more luxurious 502, which had arrived in 1954 with BMW's new 2.6-liter V-8 engine. Both the 501-8 and 502 shared BMW's superb hemi-head 2.6-liter V-8, praised for its factory-rated output of 100 horsepower and superb refinement. By autumn 1958, the 501-8 was renamed the BMW 2.6, also known as the BMW 2600, and produced with select updates through 1963.
THE CAR OFFERED
Rarely seen in North America, this marvelous 501-8 Sedan was discovered in 2005 in Brussels, Belgium and subsequently purchased by a BMW Club member and prolific marque collector from Colorado. Before bringing it home to the United Sates, the BMW was painstakingly restored to a high standard in Europe, with mechanical work performed by marque specialists at Erwin Brummer & Son near Munich, Germany, and the coachwork and interior restored by the respected specialist and craftsman Marek Matejcek of Pilsen in the Czech Republic.
While more than 15 years have passed since the restoration was completed, the quality of the workmanship remains abundantly clear, and this 501-8 remains in superb condition inside and out. The body, paint, and brightwork have been restored demonstrably high standard, and the leather upholstery remains taut and fresh in appearance. Attractively finished in silver over blue leather upholstery, the 501-8 features wonderful period-correct details including a Becker Mexico radio, VDO ambient temperature gauge, and Golde sliding canvas sunroof, plus other proper details including Bosch headlamps and Pirelli CA67 tires. Limited use and attentive care have maintained the restoration's freshness.
Under prior ownership, this car received the blessing of Mr. Goetz Pfafflin, the late driving force behind the BMW Vintage & Classic Car Club of America, who declared this 501-8 as "...very likely the best restored Baroque Angel in the U.S. today." Furthering the BMW's outstanding presentation is the clean and detailed engine bay, housing the 2.6-liter overhead-valve BMW V-8 powerplant, paired with a four-speed manual transmission.
These rare and handsome German sedans get overshadowed by their mechanical siblings, the 503 and 507, and are seldom restored to this high level due to the requisite complexity, cost, and difficulty involved. A truly rare and attractive postwar German legend, this historic and compelling 1958 BMW 501-8 is well-known in BMW circles. As offered, it presents a unique opportunity for the next owner to enjoy on the concours circuit or on classic touring events, where its power, quality, and presence will surely attract plenty of admiration. This superb sedan is fit for any committed BMW enthusiast's stable.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Auction Viewings
- 14 August 2024, 09:00 - 18:00 PDT
- 15 August 2024, 09:00 - 18:00 PDT
- 16 August 2024, 08:30 - 11:00 PDT
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
1899 Phébus 2¼hp Motor Tricycle
£50,000 - £60,000
United Kingdom
1911 Delaunay-Belleville 26HP Tourer
£70,000 - £100,000
United Kingdom
1913 Hotchkiss Model AD 20/30 Tourer
£50,000 - £60,000
United Kingdom
1902 Beaufort 8hp Two-Seater Phaeton
£50,000 - £70,000
United KingdomOffered without reserve
c.1901 Gladiator Four-Seat Rear-Entrance Tonneau
£50,000 - £70,000
