Lot 05: BMW 700 Convertible

It seems hard to imagine now but during the mid to late 1950s BMW was in real trouble. The company's relentless push upmarket with the slow-selling 501, 502, 503 and 507 had left it heavily in debt. While, demand for the licence built Isetta `bubble' car and closely related (albeit four-seater) 600 was fading too. Desperately in need of a mid-size contender but lacking the funds to develop what would become the `Neu Klasse' range, BMW was delighted when its Viennese importer, Wolfgang Denzel, came up with the idea for a `stop-gap' model. Styled by Giovanni Michelotti but based on a modified 600 platform, Denzel's proposal received board approval during October 1958. Development was then taken in-house with the resultant BMW 700 debuting at the July 1959 Frankfurt IAA. Despite its truncated gestation period, the newcomer boasted a bespoke monocoque chassis equipped with all-round independent suspension (leading link front / trailing arm rear), rack and pinion steering and four-wheel drum brakes. Derived from that of the R67 motorcycle, its 697cc engine was reworked to develop 30bhp and 37lbft of torque. Allied to four-speed manual transmission, the characterful flat-twin enabled the lightweight BMW to reach a 78mph top speed. Initially available in coupe guise only, the rear-engined 700 could soon be had as a saloon or convertible as well. Introduced in September 1961, the latter variant was designed and built by Bauer of Stuttgart. Structurally reinforced, the soft-top also boasted an easy-to-operate hood mechanism, 40bhp Sport engine and restyled tail. Comparatively expensive at DM 6,950, the BMW 700 Convertible remained in production until September 1964 by which time some 2,592 had been sold. Finished in white with red upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example has been on static display as part of a private Lake District collection for many years. Although reported to have been driven into the collection building under its own power, the BMW is currently a non-runner and will require recommissioning and registration with the DVLA prior to UK road use. Sold strictly as viewed, it lacks paperwork but is thought to be wearing German Oval Tourist Registration Plates.