BMW 700
1959 - 1965
In 1959, BMW introduced the 700. A small, rear engined economy car, the 700 was created in order to boost sales at a time when the company was struggling financially. As the first BMW car built with a monocoque structure, the car was not only important due to its sales success, but also its technological advancements. The 700 was powered by an elarged 697cc flat twin engine based on the BMW R67 motorcycle's powerplant. The 700 saw over 180,000 examples built when production ended in 1965.
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Overview
The BMW 700 is often heralded as the car that saved the Bavarian automaker from financial distress in the early 1960s. This compact, economically designed car may not have the size or the power of BMW's more famous models, but its impact on the company's fortunes and its contribution to the automotive world are monumental. Let's dive into the story of the BMW 700, a small car that made a big difference.
The BMW 700 was a departure from the large, luxurious cars that had, up until then, been synonymous with BMW. It was compact, designed for efficiency, and aesthetically charming. The body, styled by Giovanni Michelotti, one of the most prolific automotive designers of the 20th century, featured a sleek, aerodynamic shape that was both modern and functional. Its design was a hit, appealing to a broad audience with its blend of simplicity, elegance, and practicality.
Powering the BMW 700 was a rear-mounted 697cc flat-twin engine, an extension of the powerplant used in the BMW 600. This engine was known for its reliability and was capable of propelling the lightweight car to respectable speeds, ensuring a driving experience that was both fun and economical. The car came in various models, including a coupe, a sedan, and a convertible, catering to different tastes and needs while maintaining the same mechanical reliability and efficiency.
Despite its modest size, the BMW 700 was a force to be reckoned with on the racing circuit. Its lightweight design and reliable engine made it competitive, and it enjoyed considerable success in various motorsport events, including hill climbs, rallies, and even the grueling Nürburgring. This racing pedigree helped elevate the BMW brand, showcasing the company's engineering prowess and contributing to its growing reputation for producing sporty, well-engineered cars.
The significance of the BMW 700 extends far beyond its technical specifications or its success on the race track. At a time when BMW was facing severe financial difficulties, the 700 became a commercial hit, selling over 180,000 units during its production run. Its success provided the much-needed capital to continue the production of more luxurious and powerful cars, essentially saving the company from bankruptcy and setting the stage for future successes.
The BMW 700's legacy is one of resilience and innovation. It played a crucial role in BMW's history, symbolizing a turning point that led the company away from the brink of failure towards a future filled with achievement and innovation. The 700 model is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the smallest packages can contain the most significant impact. Its influence can be seen in the subsequent generations of BMWs, which continued to embody the principles of efficient design, technical excellence, and driving pleasure.
The BMW 700 may not be the most powerful or luxurious car ever made by BMW, but its importance is undeniable. It represents a pivotal moment in automotive history, where ingenuity, engineering excellence, and a keen understanding of market needs came together to create a vehicle that would secure the future of one of the world's most beloved car manufacturers. The BMW 700 is a reminder that in the automotive world, success is not just about power and luxury, but also about innovation, adaptability, and the sheer joy of driving.
BMW 700 Basics
Manufacturer: BMW
Production: 1959–1965
Production (Total): 188,211
Production (Saloon): 154,557
Production (Coupé): 31,062
Production (Convertible): 2,592
Body style: 2-door saloon, 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible
Layout: Rear Engined, Rear Drive
Engine: 697 cc Flat twin
Trans: 4 speed manual
Wheelbase: 2,120 mm (83.5 in)
Length: 3,540 mm (139.4 in)
Width: 1,480 mm (58.3 in)
Height: 1,270 mm (50.0 in)
Curb weight: 640 kg (1,411 lb)
Did You Know
The BMW 700 arrived when the company was on the brink of financial collapse. Its surprising popularity and sales success helped pull BMW back from the edge.
The BMW 700 used an air-cooled, twin-cylinder engine similar to those found in the company's motorcycles of the era.
The lightweight and nimble 700 was surprisingly competitive in motorsport. Racer Hans Stuck famously piloted a 700 to victory in the 1960 German Hillclimb Championship.
The BMW 700 was the company's first car built using a monocoque body structure. This offered weight savings and improved rigidity, a practice still common in car manufacturing today.
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BMW 700 In-Depth Model Guides
The economic boom at the end of the fifties involved rising demands of prospective BMW customers. Spartan, small cars were on the way out and customers called for real cars. BMW reacted to this trend, launching the 600 model in 1957, an extended Isetta with a two-cylinder flat engine fitted at the rear. As early as 1959, the curved four-seater was superseded by the BMW 700.
Our Favorite BMW 700 Images
The 700's design, penned by Giovanni Michelotti, helped inspire the look of BMW's later "New Class" sedans, setting a styling trend for the company.
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