A Historic One-of-a-Kind Piece of BMW History
For sale is an exceptional collector's vehicle: a BMW 501 V8 from 1956 with unique factory status. The special nature of this vehicle is certified by an official BMW certificate: While the BMW 501 was regularly delivered exclusively in solid colors, this vehicle received the historically documented special metallic paint "Metall 601" ex works – a genuine one-of-one status. According to the author of the specialist book "Color Typology for BMW Classics," this exclusive factory paint strongly suggests that this was a historic trade fair or exhibition vehicle.
Bodywork & Restoration to Master-Craftsman Quality
The vehicle was completely restored over an extended period without regard to cost or time. As a mechanical engineer, my focus was on absolute technical perfection, dimensional accuracy, and historical correctness – the car was dismantled down to the last screw for this purpose.
The body and chassis construction set new standards:
· The bare body shell was completely derusted by immersion, zinc-phosphated, and coated using the KTL process (cathodic dip coating)
· All chassis components were high-quality powder-coated for maximum protection against stone chips and wear
· All cavities were additionally comprehensively preserved with wax
As the original paint formula for "Metall 601" was no longer listed by any common paint supplier, we digitally scanned the historic color shade in protected, concealed areas of the body and professionally applied a perfectly matching paint.
Engine & Interior
The original engine block had suffered irreversible corrosion damage to the aluminum and was professionally replaced during the rebuild with a corrosion-free, period-correct original replacement block. The V8 engine runs extremely smoothly, and the transmission shifts excellently.
The interior was also restored with the utmost precision: The materials and colors were selected exactly according to the original, historic BMW color and equipment patterns for the 501 and expertly handcrafted.
Condition & Documentation
The car is presented in very good top condition without any patina, is regularly registered, and is fully road-ready. The current TÜV inspection is valid until April 2027 and will be completely renewed before the sale at the buyer's request.
An independent Classic Data appraisal (May 2020) officially certifies the classic car with the excellent condition rating of 2+ and stated a market value of 66.300 €. Since completion of this high-end restoration, the car has been driven only 1.700 km in the best weather and otherwise preserved in a climate-controlled collection.
The entire restoration is fully documented through extensive photographic documentation and a detailed cost breakdown – every work step and every investment (including the engine replacement) can be substantiated with complete transparency.
Vehicle Data at a Glance
Feature
Specification
Year of manufacture / First registration
1956 / 1 July 1956
Engine
2.6-liter light-alloy V8 (95 hp)
Condition
Rating 2+ (Appraiser's value 2020: 66.300 €)
Mileage since restoration
approx. 2000 km
TÜV
until 04/2026 (NEW on request)
Special feature
Special metallic paint "Metall 601" (one-off factory finish)
Body protection
KTL-coated, chassis powder-coated, cavities wax-preserved
Viewing & Purchase Process
Private sale to enthusiasts, museums, or collectors. The vehicle is ready for viewing in 48531 Nordhorn. A detailed inspection is expressly encouraged by prior arrangement – a vehicle lift is available on site, and a test drive is easily possible in dry weather.
The extensive photographic and cost documentation can also be viewed on site.
Price: 56.000 € VB
Despite documented restoration costs far exceeding the appraised value and only 2000 km since completion, a fair offer for a historic one-of-a-kind piece.
Contact
Interested parties are asked to contact us by email or telephone to arrange an appointment. Short-notice viewings are also possible in the case of serious purchase interest.
This description has been automatically translated. Original language: German.
