
Introduced in 1951, the 501 was the first car produced by BMW after WWII. While the car was all new, the engine was an updated version of BMW's pre-war 2.0 liter I6. It produced somewhere in the neighborhood of 60 HP, and the car had a top speed of around 90 MPH. One of the car's more unusual features was the 4 speed transmission. It was not attached directly to the engine, but was mounted towards the middle of the car and had a shaft coming into it from the engine and one coming out of it, going to the differential. The shifter was column mounted and it is said that BMW set it up this way to increase the interior space.

Located in Charleston, SC, click here to see the Craigslist ad.
A big thanks to Jon for sending me the link to this car!

A whole lot of work went into building this car. The seller says it's one of eight that were "professionally built". It appears to be well done. I'm just not sure why it was done.
Located in Massachusetts, click here to see the Hemmings ad.
The link to this car was also sent to me by Jon. Thanks again!

Never a big seller in the US, most of the Betas that did find homes here have rusted away or died of abuse and neglect.
This car looks to be in nice condition. The seller says it runs well. There is no mention of rust (although it looks like there might be some on the edge of the hood), but it could use a paint job.
Located in Seattle, WA, click here to see the eBay listing.
4 comments:
That Rolls Country Squire is beyond baddass. As a complete fan of totally UN-molested cars, somehow this tickles my secret side. It's so camp it's brilliant.
Oh, that Rolls/Ford is in Massachusetts. I think we found the car to replace your BMW...
Looks at ad and sees the price...
Er, then again, probably not. I have a feeling you don't have a spare 33,000 bucks laying around. Still, that was a vehicle I definitely had not heard of before.
That old BMW is Awesome, Funky, rare, of course I wouldn't want to have to find parts for it, that Rolls Royce Ford is hideous, why would someone Bother?? I say this only because I've owned two Rolls Royces and a Bentley and Love the Lancia!! I've always had a soft spot for these and years ago I owned a Beta Sedan, wish there were more of Those to be had out there
The twin carb setup on that Beta should totally transform the car - I would love to take it for a spin and see how it should have been.
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