Photo: ClassicDriver.com
The rivalry between BMW and Mercedes-Benz goes back longer than you’d expect. To get a better idea, imagine that the car we’re about to show you, that started production in 1954, was designed as a competitor for one of Mercedes’ creations, the Ponton.
The BMW 502 was almost exactly the same car as the legendary 501, the first post-war model made by the Bavarians. The difference was that while the 501 was powered by a 2-liter inline 6-cylinder unit, the 502 had a little more power and used a 2.5-liter V8 engine. Furthermore, the latter model was also available with a couple more amenities, meant to make it even more luxurious.
At the time of its introduction, the 502 was considered the fastest passenger sedan in regular production in Germany. Its engine was making 100 HP and was considerably lighter than its rivals, using an aluminum block. Those combined advantages gave the 502 a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h) more than the one of its Swabian rival, the Mercedes Ponton, that could do 93 mph (150 km/h) originally.
Unfortunately, the price the Germans asked for this car made it a rarity on the road. For example, in its first year of production, only 190 of them were sold, a poor number even for those times.
Later on, working with coach-builder Baur, BMW built two-door cabriolet and coupe versions of the 502 and these were even harder to get, with highly restrictive price tags. One such model is currently on sale, in Germany, by a private customer.
According to the ad, the car was completely restored to the original specs, being in absolutely perfect shape. It has a Blaupunkt original radio, various original ornaments inside the cabin, a full leather interior (black) and chrome plated hubcaps for the wheels.
The chassis has 33,244 miles (53,500 km) on it and the original 4-speed manual gearbox was completely refurbished not too long ago. The engine, in this application, makes 120 HP and sends all of it to the rear wheels, just as BMW intended.
The price tag might seem a little steep, at €330,000 ($450,829) but, considering the importance and rarity of this car and the fact that it inspired the creation of the legendary 507 Roadster whose curves can still be observed in the current day Z4, it’s a great collector’s item. If you do manage to buy it, please let us know!
At the time of its introduction, the 502 was considered the fastest passenger sedan in regular production in Germany. Its engine was making 100 HP and was considerably lighter than its rivals, using an aluminum block. Those combined advantages gave the 502 a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h) more than the one of its Swabian rival, the Mercedes Ponton, that could do 93 mph (150 km/h) originally.
Unfortunately, the price the Germans asked for this car made it a rarity on the road. For example, in its first year of production, only 190 of them were sold, a poor number even for those times.
Later on, working with coach-builder Baur, BMW built two-door cabriolet and coupe versions of the 502 and these were even harder to get, with highly restrictive price tags. One such model is currently on sale, in Germany, by a private customer.
According to the ad, the car was completely restored to the original specs, being in absolutely perfect shape. It has a Blaupunkt original radio, various original ornaments inside the cabin, a full leather interior (black) and chrome plated hubcaps for the wheels.
The chassis has 33,244 miles (53,500 km) on it and the original 4-speed manual gearbox was completely refurbished not too long ago. The engine, in this application, makes 120 HP and sends all of it to the rear wheels, just as BMW intended.
The price tag might seem a little steep, at €330,000 ($450,829) but, considering the importance and rarity of this car and the fact that it inspired the creation of the legendary 507 Roadster whose curves can still be observed in the current day Z4, it’s a great collector’s item. If you do manage to buy it, please let us know!
Google News