BMW 700 (1959 - 1965)

Introduction

The 700 was perhaps the most important car in BMW’s history, and it almost certainly the one that saved the company. The BMW 700 may have been based upon the quirky 600 bubblecar, but elegant Michelotti styling and an uprated engine resulted in a more grown-up budget car that looked good and was great to drive.

Attractive styling and features such as a four-speed floor-mounted gear selector, were a major advance over the 600, and improved suspension that was now fully independent, made the car so much more appealing than its economy car rivals. Coupé version is much in demand today, while the saloon is sharp and commodious.