The BMW 501 is a luxury car produced by BMW. The 501 was first model to be built and sold by BMW after WW2. Featuring a brand new platform, the 501 was powered by BMW's M337 straight six engine, although a few V8 variants were produced near the end of 501 production. Alongside the BMW 502, the 501 was nicknamed 'Baroque Angel' in Germany. BMW ended original 501 production in 1958, although the body and platform were used in the later 2.6 and 2600 models, which are also considered part of the 501. The 501 and its derivative models ended production in 1963.