The BMW 700 is a small luxury car manufactured by German automaker BMW between 1959 and 1965. It was the first model released in the new lineup of BMW cars, and it immediately gained worldwide acclaim with its sporty design, powerful engine, and precise handling. The BMW 700 featured a four-cylinder rear-mounted air-cooled boxer engine that delivered a maximum output of 45 horsepower at 4,200 rpm. It was mated to a four-speed manual transmission and the car could attain a top speed of nearly 85 miles per hour. The BMW 700 also featured independent suspension on all four wheels, providing superior handling capabilities and excellent road feedback. In addition, its overall design was aerodynamic, allowing it to achieve relatively high fuel efficiency ratings even for the time. The BMW 700 was produced in two body styles – a two-door coupe and a two-door convertible. Both models were extremely popular and remain highly sought-after collector's items today. Despite its short production run, the BMW 700 cemented the brand’s name in the world of luxury cars, paving the way for future BMW models. Read more
In its six years of production, a total of nearly 80,000 units were produced. The initial design and engineering work on the BMW 700 was done by Italian car designer Giovanni Michelotti. His sleek lines and distinctive style gave the car its unique look that still stands out to this day. The car was so successful that it allowed BMW to remain afloat during a period of financial hardship and eventually become the giant luxury automaker we know today.
The BMW 700 was introduced at the 1959 Frankfurt Motor Show and went on sale soon after. It quickly became a favorite of celebrities and racing drivers alike, with some even using it to compete in motorsport events. In 1961, a BMW 700 Coupé won the grueling Spa-Sofia-Liège Rally, one of the most challenging rallies of the period. Its 0-100 km/h speed was also impressive and it could hit the 0-100 mark in just 19 seconds – a feat considered remarkable even today.
fuel efficiency ratings were also very good for the time. The two-door coupe had a fuel consumption of just 7.5L/100km while the convertible was slightly higher at 8.0L/100km. These numbers are even more impressive when compared to today’s standards – a modern BMW 3 Series consumes around 9.0L/100km on average. The fuel efficiency of the BMW 700 is a testament to its excellent design and engineering – characteristics that are still found in modern BMWs today.