Description
History:
The V8 BMW Type 502 was called the king of the motorway in the 1950s. With this car, BMW built a V8 engine for the first time, which was one of the first large series aluminium engines in the world. After overcoming the financial difficulties, the new BMW model was presented to the public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1954: The BMW 502. It was the first German eight-cylinder car after the war, with the engine itself being the world's first mass-produced eight-cylinder unit made of cast aluminium. The body, frame and transmission were taken over from the six-cylinder model 501 without any changes. This meant that the 502 also had a gearbox that was separate from the engine block, which further improved the smooth running of the silky-smooth V8 engine, which did not need to fear comparison with that of American eight-cylinder engines. This ‘Baroque Angel’ is one of the few vehicles delivered in Switzerland that was first put on the road in 1957. And it is the only example known to us with the large factory folding roof. In 1994, the proud saloon was taken over by its current owner and extensively restored in several stages to its current condition, with the entire mechanical system being continuously overhauled. A major inspection was carried out for the last MFK veteran's inspection and it has been driven 300 kilometres since then.
Bodywork and paintwork:
The original paintwork is still in excellent condition even after many years since the restoration and requires neither repair nor touch-up. The accident-free vehicle is undamaged, the bodywork, gaps and fittings are flawless.
Interior:
The fine fabric interior is as good as new. Only the foam underlays are a little more flexible and show their age. The wood of the dashboard and panelling is still in excellent restoration condition. The headlining with the coveted folding roof, which was replaced at the time, is as good as new and in perfect working order.
Engine and mechanics:
The entire mechanics are in very good condition, freshly overhauled (CHF 4, 000 for the last MOT) and only require a fresh inspection, which will be carried out when the vehicle is purchased.
Chassis:
Chassis, suspension and brakes have been reconditioned for the Swiss MFK (MOT; TüV) and have passed the test bench test. The underbody is in very good condition and has only 2 older and professionally carried out welding repairs.
Driving experience:
The king of the motorway rightly bears this title. The 502 is silky smooth and loves fast roads just as much as the motorway. With the permitted 6 passengers, it will certainly have to work harder than a current V8 with its slightly more than 100 hp, but it will take the driver and passengers to their destination in a relaxed manner.
Recommendation:
A Baroque Angel is no longer to be found very often, as the restoration work on such a car usually exceeds its value. V8 models have become rare, and examples with the original folding roof are almost impossible to find. This example impresses with its outstanding restoration and care over the past 30 years by its owner, who is himself involved with vehicles. The fact that it is a Swiss first delivery is a further argument in favour of attesting collector's status to this example.
