140 bhp, 3,168 cc OHV alloy block-and-head V-8 engine with dual Zenith carburettors, four-speed manual column-shift transmission, independent front suspension via upper and lower A-arms, live axle rear suspension with torsion bars, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

Wheelbase: 2,835 mm Like its rival Mercedes-Benz, BMW found itself in a tough post-war situation and needed to introduce a new model to gain the public’s attention.

The 501 and its successor, the 502, were successful in achieving this, but the pre-war six-cylinder engine was dated, and it was time for a higher-specification model.

Highly influential in BMW’s decision to market a V-8 was notable U.S.

importer Max Hoffman, who used his talent for persuasion and the size of his distribution network to convince BMW that a luxury sports car for the top 10 per cent could be sold in sufficient quantity.

Engineering expertise came from the talented Fritz Fiedler, who launched his career at Horch, and styling was provided by...