A True Gem from the 1960s Supermini Era
This 1962 BMW 700 Sport Coupé is an exceptional and increasingly rare example of BMW’s 1960s supermini. Once a lifeline for the German automaker, the 700 played a crucial role in BMW’s history. Offered without reserve and part of The Munich Masterpieces Collection, this 700 Sport Coupé represents a significant chapter in BMW’s automotive legacy.
A Turn Towards the Future
Unveiled at the 1959 Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW 700 was a marked departure from the luxury Baroque Angel models the company had been producing. While BMW’s larger vehicles, like the 507, struggled financially, the 700 came as a breath of fresh air. This nimble and compact car featured innovative engineering for its time, with its rear-engine design borrowed from the BMW R67 motorcycle. Most importantly, it was the first BMW car to use a steel monocoque structure, paving the way for future models.
Performance and Racing Heritage
The example on offer is a 700 Sport Coupé, one of only 8,213 Sport models produced. Unlike the standard version, the Sport Coupé featured an enhanced engine with an output of 40 PS, giving it a spirited performance that led to many racing successes during the 1960s. Under the rear hood lies a matching-numbers 697-cc flat-twin engine, which provided reliability and agility on the road.
A Legacy of Restoration
Originally finished in Fjord Grey, this BMW 700 Sport Coupé was completed at the factory on August 1, 1962, and shipped to Finland. Over time, it passed through multiple owners before being rediscovered in poor condition during the 1980s. The car underwent a thorough restoration in the early 1990s, during which it was repainted in its current striking red and given a part-leather tan interior. In 2006, it joined The Munich Masterpieces Collection, where it has been cherished ever since.
Accompanied by a BMW Classic Birth Certificate, this car carries with it both charm and historical significance. Designed by the legendary Giovanni Michelotti, the 700 Sport Coupé is as stylish as it is compact, embodying the elegance and ingenuity that saved BMW from financial ruin.
Summary of Key Specifications:
- Model: 1962 BMW 700 Sport Coupé
- Engine: Matching-numbers 697-cc flat-twin engine (40 PS)
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
- Chassis No.: 196008
- Engine No.: 196008
- Color: Originally Fjord Grey, now Red
- Interior: Part-leather tan
- Location: Munich, Germany
- Restoration: Completed in the early 1990s
- Registration: Finnish Vehicle Registration
This timeless classic, with its racing roots and historic design, awaits its next owner—a rare opportunity for any BMW enthusiast or classic car collector.
Source: rmsothebys.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
