1956 BMW 502 V8 Sport Cabriolet by Autenrieth

This BMW 502 V8 Sport Cabriolet by Autenrieth represents one of the most exclusive variants of BMW’s post-war luxury models. Hand-built in extremely limited numbers by the renowned Darmstadt-based coachbuilder Autenrieth, this car combines advanced engineering with bespoke craftsmanship, exemplifying the high standards of German automotive design in the 1950s.

About the BMW 502

Introduced in 1954, the BMW 502 was the first German production automobile powered by a V8 engine after the Second World War. Designed by Fritz Fiedler, the 2.6-litre light-alloy V8 featured overhead valves and hemispherical combustion chambers, later enlarged to 3.2 litres. The use of aluminium construction kept weight low, resulting in refined performance and smooth power delivery.

Based on the chassis of the BMW 501, the 502 offered independent front suspension, torsion bar rear suspension, and servo-assisted hydraulic brakes—technically advanced features for its era. The model targeted an affluent clientele who valued understated luxury and precision engineering over flamboyance or sheer speed.

The Autenrieth Sport Cabriolet

Unlike the standard saloon, the Cabriolet versions of the 502 were individually constructed by selected coachbuilders, among them Baur, Erdmann & Rossi, and Autenrieth. This particular example is an Autenrieth Sport Cabriolet, one of only five examples built, characterised by especially elegant proportions, restrained chrome detailing, and a meticulously finished interior.

Originally equipped with the 2.6-litre V8 producing 100 bhp at 4,800 rpm from a single twin-choke downdraught carburettor, this car was comprehensively upgraded during a frame-off restoration approximately 15 years ago. It now benefits from the 160 bhp specification of the BMW V8 3200 S at 5,600 rpm, fed by twin Zenith twin-choke downdraught carburettors. With this more powerful engine, the Sport Cabriolet is far better suited to its size and weight, offering performance fully worthy of its status as a refined open grand tourer.

Historical Context

The BMW 502 marked a turning point in BMW’s recovery from wartime devastation. It re-established the marque’s reputation for technical sophistication and quality, bridging the pre-war tradition of luxury with a new, modern engineering philosophy. Although production costs were high and volumes small, the 502’s engineering excellence laid the foundation for BMW’s future success as a manufacturer of premium automobiles.

Rarity

As one of only five Autenrieth Sport Cabriolets built, this car ranks among the rarest and most desirable coachbuilt BMWs of the post-war era. Surviving examples are exceptionally scarce and represent an important piece of BMW’s heritage—automobiles that combined mechanical innovation with the artistry of traditional German coachbuilding.

Price available by request