Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 111
1956 BMW 501-8 Sedan Chassis no. 53095
Sold for US$31,360 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 111
1956 BMW 501-8 Sedan
1956 BMW 501-8 Sedan
Chassis no. 53095
Chassis no. 53095
2,580cc OHV Hemi-head V8 Engine
Single Solex 2-bbl Downdraft Carburetor
95bhp 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 black over black leather upholstery
*Featured at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
*Suitable for concours events or touring
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 by the current owner in 1978 when he saw a picture of it on an employee's desk. Purchased as a stillborn project, the elegant sedan was partially dismantled and the engine removed from the car but accompanying it when it last changed hands midway through the Carter administration. Little history is known prior to acquisition, but it appears to have been delivered new to Germany.
A long-term project that progressed in fits and starts, the search for rear parts was continuous element of the process—and when all efforts had been exhausted, missing pieces were fabricated. Eventually, the restoration was completed in earnest with body and paint completed by Victor Rivera in Cypress, California; upholstery trimmed and installed by Little John's Interiors in Costa Mesa, California; and final assembly executed by Michael Finch. The lovingly restored car immediately started winning awards—taking eight trophies home from the first nine events into which it was entered. Featured in the June 2010 issues of Bimmer and Collectible Automobile, the 501-8 would go on to be shown at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2016.
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 to a demonstrably high standard, and the leather upholstery remains taut and fresh in appearance. Attractively finished in black over black leather upholstery, the 501-8 features wonderful period-correct details including a VDO gauges plus other proper details including Bosch headlamps and a dash mounted bud vase. Limited use and attentive care have maintained the restoration's freshness.
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.
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