The BMW 700 had a design that fulfilled both the BMW sporting ethic and the economic limitations of the time. The 700 put the fun back into driving for many car buyers and auto racers.

The 700 helped put BMW back on its feet again. BMW had shed its small-car, Isetta image, emerging as a leader in quality, performance automobiles. 

Like the Chevrolet Corvair, the BMW 700 was built in the early '60s with an air-cooled "Boxer" engine in the rear. 

Giovanni Michelotti provided the chic, Italian styling. The first 700 was a 2+2 Coupe, and it was soon joined by a 2-door Sedan with more space and style. In 1961, a longer wheelbase Luxus model appeared, and in 1962 the name was changed to BMW LS. In 1963-64, the name was changed to 700CS.

Product ad shows a variety of 700 styles.

The BMW 700 is powered by the R67 motorcycle's 697cc, 2-cylinder engine. A turbine at the end of the crankshaft cools the two cylinders. 19 lightweight RS models with 73hp engines were raced, most notably by Hans Stuck Sr.

The car was relatively quick for its size and it was successfully raced, mostly in German hill-climb and rally events.

BMW asked Hans Stuck Sr. to campaign a competition program for the 700. 

At the age of 60, Stuck claimed the 1960 German Hill Climb Championship in a BMW 700. Stuck's victory was the first for a BMW automobile in 20 years. The last automotive victory for BMW was in a 328 in the Mille Miglia road race in Italy in 1940.

Racing victories for the 700 came against cars with considerably more power, but the other cars were unable to match the 700's nimble handling. With its rear-engine layout, excellent braking and handling, and lightweight body, the 700 was truly a driver's car.

A sport version of the 700 featured dual Solex carburetors and short-intake manifolds, which boosted output to 40hp. Revisions to the cylinder head and camshafts ultimately boosted output to 75hp and top speeds to 105mph. 

Raphael's BMW 700 site has pictures for each of the models, with history, specifications and much more.

Speedvision Online article on the 700 as part of BMW motorsport history. Click here for specifications.

BMW Club de France has a collection of articles on the 700. In French. Click here for specifications.

Houston Chapter BMW CCA has a modified 700 in their photo gallery.

At the age of 18, famous Formula 1 racer Jacky Ickx made his auto competition debut in a BMW 700. 

It happened in France on April 28, 1963, at the Course de Côte de la Roche.

With Jacky Ickx at the wheel in 1970, BMW's 1600-cc Formula 2 engine scored its first victory in Salzburg, Austria.