1961 BMW 700 Saloon

Introduced in 1959 at a critical moment for BMW, the 700 provided the more conventional, capable, and sporting automobile the company needed beyond the Isetta. Developed from a lengthened BMW 600 chassis, it gave BMW a broader appeal while retaining the compact dimensions that defined the model. The 700 featured BMW’s first steel monocoque construction, rear-wheel drive, independent suspension, and a rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-twin derived from the company’s motorcycle engines. Its debut at the 1959 Frankfurt Motor Show generated approximately 25,000 orders, helping pull the financially troubled company toward stability, while more than 188,000 vehicles were ultimately produced through 1965. Beyond its commercial success, the 700 demonstrated that even a tiny BMW could give an affordable car genuine sporting character.

This particular 1961 BMW 700 two-door saloon, finished in white, is an exceptionally original survivor rather than a freshly restored interpretation of the model. The car spent its first 30 years in the sunny climate of Malta, and retains its original body panels, paint and trim. The absence of rust requiring welding speaks to the quality of its preservation. Recent mechanical attention, including an oil change and brake recommissioning, has returned the car to usable running and driving condition without compromising its originality. Rather than being rebuilt to resemble a 1961 BMW 700, this car possesses its own materials, charm, and history.

Power comes from a 697cc rear-mounted, air-cooled horizontally opposed two-cylinder engine, utilizing a Solex 34PCI carburetor, a 7.5:1 compression ratio, and producing approximately 30 PS. Thanks to the 700’s exceptionally light construction, rear-engine layout, and independent suspension, its limited output delivers surprisingly lively performance. Rather than relying on outright speed, the 700 emphasizes agility, momentum, and the pleasure of driving a small automobile.

In 1961, a BMW 700 achieved an especially notable result at Monza, winning its class against Abarth on the Italian company’s home turf. The 700 also became the foundation for the much more specialized 700RS racing car, proving that the basic concept had genuine competition potential. For a car conceived in part as an economical means of transportation, its success in motorsport was an extraordinary demonstration of what could be achieved through low weight and clever engineering.

The BMW 700 was created because BMW needed an inexpensive car, yet it became one of the company’s most consequential postwar automobiles. With more than 188,000 700s built across various body styles, including 154,557 two-door saloons, its commercial success gave BMW the financial and strategic breathing room to continue developing the automobiles that would establish its modern identity. This 1961 700’s originality was recognized at the 2012 Goodwood Revival, where it was invited to appear in the “Blue and White Garages Used Car Department” in the main paddock. Compact, purposeful, and authentic, it helped change BMW’s fortunes while proving that economy and sporting appeal could coexist. Small in stature but significant in history, the 700’s contribution to BMW was anything but small.