Highlights

One of only 13 BMW 502 four-door convertibles built by Baur
Older comprehensive restoration involving over 7,000 hours of craftsmanship
Recently underwent €22,407.70 worth of technical maintenance in 2023
Registered in Germany with TÜV inspection until 2025
An incredible opportunity for collectors of ultra-rare classic cars

The Appeal

The 501 and its derivatives were the very first cars to be built by BMW post-World War Two. Nicknamed 'Baroque Angels' by the German public, these large, elegant luxury cars targeted the wealthy, the only people who could afford a car in a war-torn Germany divided into Allied-controlled zones. Upon launch, it was discovered that the 501's proposed six-cylinder engine would be insufficient to power the car at any great speed, so development of a subsequent V8 version was given the green light by management. The V8-engined 502, (Germany's first post-war V8), was unveiled in October 1954 and proved a notable improvement upon its predecessor.

The 502 was offered by the factory as a four-door saloon, but some examples were converted into convertibles in cooperation with prestigious Stuttgart-based coachbuilder, Baur. Working closely with BMW, Baur created thirteen open-topped examples of the four-door 502 and we're delighted to offer this ultra-rare survivor from that original batch.

Originally the car was delivered to a dealer in Baumeister (Stuttgart) in 1955, after which it found its first owner in Switzerland. In around 1972, the car was purchased by Enzo Bettio (Switzerland), likely becoming its second keeper. By that time, the BMW had been sat idle for six years in the wine cellar of the first owner.

During the '70s, the BMW was taken in hand by a former Ferrari bodywork specialist who completely stripped the car to bare metal and rebuilt it from the ground up. This restoration took more than seven thousand hours, and the end was result was worthy of this car's immense historical significance.

Enzo Bettio used the BMW 502 mainly as a wedding car, driving only about 10,000 kilometres in sixteen years. In 1980, the Bettio family emigrated to New Zealand and took the car with them. Due to business investments, it was decided to sell the car and the BMW was even offered to Prince Bernhard, but he was more interested in fast sports cars at the time, Eventually, it found a new owner at BMW Breeman, the first BMW dealer in the Netherlands. In 1990, after extensive correspondence, including the sharing of VHS tapes, the deal was closed and this special car returned to Europe.

Since 1990 the car has been in the Netherlands and is still in a neat condition. Although it has acquired some traces of use over the years, it remains in very presentable order. We're assured that the mechanicals are in good order and ready to drive, complete with German registration and TÜV; the previous owner had €22,407.70 worth of technical maintenance carried out in 2023 in order to pass.

For BMW collectors, this 502 convertible is surely the Holy Grail.

The History and Paperwork

Registered in 1955, originally delivered to a dealer in Baumeister, Stuttgart
Second owner was Enzo Bettio in Switzerland, who acquired it around 1972
Used primarily as a wedding car, covering only about 10,000 kilometres in sixteen years
Emigrated to New Zealand with the Bettio family in 1980, later sold to BMW Breeman in the Netherlands
Returned to Europe in 1990 and has been in the Netherlands since
Currently registered in Germany with a valid TÜV inspection until 2025

The Condition

Paintwork is mainly in neat condition with some cracks and traces of age
Straight and very presentable bodywork, with no notable wear or deterioration to report
Interior shows signs of age, particularly with cracks in the leather on the driver's seat
Solid floors with evidence of past welding repairs
Folding hood in serviceable order

As the photographs show, this BMW presents very well indeed, with a charming patina accrued during the five decades since the completion of the restoration. Besides the wear noted above, we understand the car to be in good overall condition; a sound basis to enjoy and improve over time.

The Mechanics

3.2-litre (3,168cc) V8 producing 120 HP
Four-speed manual transmission
Recently underwent €22,407.70 worth of technical maintenance in 2023
Technically ready to drive having passed the thorough TÜV inspection in Germany

Inspired by the contemporary Oldsmobile Rocket V8, the BMW unit featured an OHV design and futuristic aluminium alloy block with cast-iron cylinder liners. Having had a large sum spent in order to pass rigorous German TÜV, this BMW is reportedly in very good health mechanically and is ready to drive.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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