From the G8x to the E36 seem like a vast gulf to you? Well, a similar gap in time takes us back to the roots of BMW’s small modern convertibles. From the diminutive Isetta grew the oddly-shaped 600, which then bore the 700 run. Available in 2-door sedan, Coupe, or rare cabriolet, the 700 developed some 30 horsepower from its .7 liter twin in the rear. The handsome Michelotti design signaled the direction for the new BMW designs, with (for the time) modern lines penned to the standard 3-box formula. A total of nearly 200,000 700s were produced, but just over 2,500 cabriolets were produced. This one is far from perfect, but still very cool to see:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1963 BMW 700 Cabriolet on eBay
Year: 1963
Model: 700
VIN: 24431
Engine: 0.7 liter twin
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: more than none mi
Location: Astoria, New York
Price: $24,500 Buy It Now
Extremely Rare Find: Highly Original 1963 BMW 700 Cabriolet
This 1963 BMW 700 Cabriolet is an extremely rare find and a highly original example that’s ready for straightforward recommissioning. Light blue with red and tan interior. Just out of long-term ownership and storage. It’s a matching numbers car that’s been sitting off the road since 2002 and is not currently running at this time. A complete and honest restoration candidate. Offered with its factory owners manuals. Not to be missed by any BMW collector or enthusiast. Introduced at the 1959 Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW 700 was well received in Germany and performed well in motorsport, with Hans Stuck winning the 1960 German Hill climb Championship and Walter Schneider taking the 1961 German Saloon Car title. The BMW 700 was the first BMW model built with a monocoque chassis. The rear-mounted flat twin cylinder motor was based on the 600 and displaced 697cc. Improved brakes and rack and pinion steering endowed the 700 with excellent driving characteristics. Never imported to the United States, these fantastic models are hard to find and sought after by collectors today.
Rare car especially in convertible form
697cc flat twin engine
4-speed manual transmission
Excellent original car out of long term ownershipPrice: $24,500
Just like the E36, impractical though it may be I love the 700. They are very rare cars full stop, but the convertible version really puts it over the top. Yes, this one isn’t running and will require more than a little work. But it’s also a very cool piece of the company’s history, relatively affordable, and not nearly as complicated as other period classics (I’m looking at you, Mercedes-Benz 600!). I hope someone saves this one and brings it back to its former glory!
-Carter
