BMW 501
The 'Baroque Angel' that marked BMW's post-war return to luxury.
- Power
- 72 bhp
- Top speed
- 90 mph
- Est. value
- $15k–$55k
About the BMW 501
The BMW 501 was the first car produced by BMW in Bavaria after the Second World War, debuting at the 1951 Frankfurt Motor Show. Its curvaceous, flowing bodywork earned it the nickname 'Barockengel' (Baroque Angel), though its heavy steel construction initially hampered performance. The 1954 model year introduced the 501 A and 501 B variants, which featured an upgraded 72 hp version of the M337 inline-six engine to address criticisms of the car being underpowered. While it was a technical tour de force with a perimeter frame and advanced torsion bar suspension, high production costs and stiff competition from Mercedes-Benz meant it was never a commercial success for the struggling firm.
BMW 501 specs
The BMW 501 produces 72 bhp (54 kW) and 119 Nm (88 lb-ft) of torque. It has a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h).
| Make | BMW |
|---|---|
| Model | 501 |
| Trim | 2.0 |
| Years | 1952–1958 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Sedan |
| Country | Germany |
| Production | About 8,951 built |
| Engine | 2.0-litre inline-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,971 cc (2.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 72 bhp (54 kW) at 4,400 rpm |
| Torque | 119 Nm (88 lb-ft) |
| Top speed | 90 mph (145 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,340 kg (2,954 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 54 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a BMW 501 worth?
A typical BMW 501 is estimated to be worth $15,000 – $55,000 (about £11,000 – £41,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
BMW 501 rarity in CarSpot
The BMW 501 is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 50 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
BMW 501 fun facts
- The 501's gearbox was not bolted to the engine but mounted separately further back in the chassis to improve front legroom and weight distribution.
- BMW lost an average of 812 USD on every 500-series sedan sold, with the company only surviving thanks to the success of the Isetta bubble car.
- The 501 featured pioneering passive safety features, including a fuel tank placed in a protected location above the rear axle and a shortened steering column.
