Vehicle Description
Introduced at the 1951 Frankfurt Motor Show with production
commencing October 1952, the 501 holds the distinction of being the
first BMW production model of the postwar era. Clearly paying
homage to BMW's prewar models, particularly the 326, the 501
offered greater passenger comfort with longer and wider dimensions.
Featuring soft edges and flowing curves, the 501 immediately gained
the nickname "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, 700, and their variants at the
entry level. The 501-8 joined the BMW model range 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 efficient hemi-head
2.6-liter V-8, which immediately gained renown for its robust
factory-rated output of 100 horsepower and uncanny 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. Rarely
seen in North America, this marvelous 501-8 Sedan was discovered in
Brussels, Belgium during 2005 and subsequently purchased by a BMW
Club member and prolific marque collector from Colorado, following
inspection by a friend and fellow classic BMW owner. Prior to its
importation to the United Sates, the vehicle was lovingly 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
roughly 15 years have passed since the restoration was completed,
the quality of the workmanship remains abundantly clear, with the
BMW remaining in superb condition inside and out. The panel fit,
paintwork, and brightwork are all restored to a 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 such desirable period-correct
features as a Becker Mexico radio, VDO ambient temperature gauge,
and Golde sliding canvas sunroof, plus proper details including
Bosch headlamps and Pirelli CA67 tires. Limited use and proper care
and storage have maintained the restoration's freshness. These
rare, handsome, and historic German sedans are seldom restored to
this high level due to the requisite complexity, cost, and
difficulty involved in a proper job. Under prior ownership, this
very 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. 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 exhibit it on the concours lawn
or enjoy it on classic touring events, where its power, quality,
and presence will surely attract admirers wherever it goes. Truly
fit for a committed BMW enthusiast's stable. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7481-1958-bmw-501-sedan/
