BMW 502 3.2 Sport Cabriolet by Autenrieth 1959 - World Of Classic Cars -

BMW 502 3.2 Sport Cabriolet by Autenrieth 1959

The staple of BMW’s line following World War II was the 500 series saloon, which had streamlined, full-bodied coachwork that gave it a seductively curvaceous appeal. Only increasing that desire was the more powerful V-8 engines that were introduced later in the decade, most prominently in the 3.2 model. As Halwart Schrader memorably wrote in BMW: A History: “All these large BMWs gave off a whistle at highway speeds, most distinctly audible from the front, which became a sort of prestige symbol and an easily recognised signal to get out of their way on the Autobahn”.
Most desirable of these last “Baroque Angels” were the cabriolet versions, which were produced to individual customer order by a handful of German custom coachbuilders. Although these angles were typically Teutonic in their solid, well-engineered construction, they also offered the cushy luxuriousness of the big saloon but with the grace and sportiness of an open model. Limited-production appeal made them a particular status symbol in many resort areas around the world.

BMW 502 3.2 Sport Cabriolet by Autenrieth 1959

The Sport Cabriolet presented here was one of reportedly five produced by Karosserie Aurenrieth, of Darmstadt, which was an old-line firm that was highly respected for their work on a variety of German chassis both before and after World War II. This style differed from the standard cabriolet as it had only two doors and side windows, as well as a lowered, sleek boot line. According to the present owner, it was delivered in November 1955 in Baden-Baden, and it was registered in the Rhineland later on. For decades, it was owned by a well-known BMW V-8 enthusiast, Alfred Dreyer of Düsseldorf, and later by a prominent collection in Bavaria.

BMW 502 3.2 Sport Cabriolet by Autenrieth 1959

The car has since been professionally restored by a German collector and stylishly finished in a rich brown hue with a finely tailored cognac brown leather interior. The paintwork and interior are both still very fresh and in very good condition, and they feature the original VDO gauges, which are still legible and functional, and a combination of original and restored chrome work. The car is also equipped with both its original Telefunken radio and original BMW tool box. Under the bonnet, the 3.2-litre engine has been completely rebuilt and upgraded to the desirable BMW 507 sports car specification with dual four-barrel Zenith carburettors, and 507 front disc brakes have also been fitted.