1956 BMW 502 Cabriolet
Germany’s first post-war V8-powered production car, the BMW 502 arrived in 1954 as a more powerful and more lavishly appointed development of the 501 sedan, sharing its graceful coachwork while adding an aluminum-alloy V8 under the hood, additional chrome trim, individual front seats, and standard fog lamps.
The 501 and 502 were nicknamed “Baroque Angels” by the German press (a reference to the formal, sweeping curves of their bodywork), and the 502 further distinguished itself by outpacing contemporary six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz models on the open road.
The 2.6-liter V8 produces 100 horsepower through a two-barrel Solex carburetor, giving a published top speed of approximately 99 mph (160 km/h) and making the 502 one of Germany’s fastest production sedans at the time of its introduction.
BMW entrusted Stuttgart coachbuilder Baur to construct the cabriolets and coupes, the firm having produced BMW open cars since the 1930s.
The two-door 502 Cabriolet was introduced in 1955, and 57 examples of the 2.6-liter version were built in total, each constructed largely to order through the BMW dealer network at a list price of DM 21,900, with delivery often taking several months. Only a small number are believed to reside in the United States.
Source
