BMW 501 model series

The BMW 501 was presented in the form of a prototype for the first time at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in 1951. The public were extremely surprised to see such a sophisticated and expensive sedan as the first post-war automobile from BMW. Yet prospective customers had to be patient because the new car only went into production in 1952 and the bodies were still supplied by coachbuilder Bauer in Stuttgart until 1954. However, the demand for the car known as "Barockengel" ("Baroque Angel") throughout Germany lagged far behind expectations.