1963 BMW 502 3200 SUPER

This 1963 BMW 502 3200 Super is a stunning saloon model, described as being “possibly the finest example in existence today” by its vendor. A solid matching-numbers car currently residing in Brunico, Italy, its twin-carburettor alloy-block 3.2-litre OHV V8 engine starts on the button, and is paired to a four-speed manual transmission. Now showing 18,119 miles (29,159 km) from new, which is believed to be the correct mileage, it has been fully restored and is ready to show or use on the road.

Owned by the vendor for over 18 years, this 502 3200 Super is a left-hand-drive model that is believed to have originally been delivered to Germany. After being registered in Germany with license 679 Z-5104, the car was purchased by a Mr Plankensteiner, who imported it into Italy in 1974. The car was registered and assigned Italian registration BZ 215555 in February 1976. It was lovingly owned and used for 25 years, until Mr Plankensteiner passed away. The current vendor, who was his friend and a long-time admirer of the car, bought the BMW from Mr Plankensteiner’s son in 2001.

Shortly after his acquisition, the vendor commissioned a no-expense-spared, body-off restoration, where the car went from its original blue paint with white interior colour combination to its current white livery with red leather upholstery. The car’s paintwork is smooth and glossy, whilst the re-trimmed leather interior features a Becker Mexico radio, a clock above the rear-view mirror, built-in speakers, and rope handles in the rear, along with a spare wheel in the boot. The whitewall tyres appear to be in impeccable condition, with plenty of tread remaining. This nut-and-bolt, bare-metal restoration was photo-documented, with a substantial number of supporting images and invoices in the car’s history file.

Since its restoration, the car has been well looked-after and maintained by the vendor’s in-house mechanics. On 13 October 2005, the vendor registered the car with the Automotoclub Storico Italiano (A.S.I.), receiving its coveted gold plate from the organisation. Prior to consigning the car to auction, the car was fully inspected by BMW Group Classic Center and is currently on display at their showroom in Munich.

Whether you want to be driven, stretched out on the back seat in comfort, or do the driving yourself, this 1963 BMW 502 3200 Super provides a smooth ride, luxurious cabin, and impressive performance for its size and age. BMW’s 501 and 502 series cars were nicknamed ‘Barockengel’ (Baroque Angel) by the German public when new, referencing the rather ornate and extravagant coachwork. The curvaceous design will most certainly still turn heads on the road today.