Doug DeMuro Unearths the 1963 BMW 700: The Quirky, Rear-Engine Compact That Saved a Legend

Prepare to have your perception of BMW shattered! Doug DeMuro, the internet's most beloved automotive eccentric, has just unveiled his latest review, and it's a deep dive into a car so utterly unlike anything you'd associate with the Bavarian marque today, it's almost unbelievable. The star of the show? A 1963 BMW 700, a tiny, rear-engine compact that, against all odds, played a pivotal role in saving BMW from financial ruin.

"This is a 1963 BMW 700 and it's a BMW from before BMW as we know it," DeMuro declares, his signature enthusiasm barely contained. Forget the powerful luxury sedans and sporty coupes; this is a car with a mere 700cc engine, weighing only 1,500 lbs, and shockingly, it doesn't even feature BMW's iconic twin-kidney grilles. "This is not a BMW like any we know, but it was hugely popular in its day and very important for BMW."

The context is crucial: by the late 1950s, BMW was in dire financial straits, caught between unpopular luxury vehicles and marginally profitable microcars like the Isetta. The 700 was their desperate gamble on a more traditional, affordable compact car, a "Honda Civic or a Volkswagen Jetta of its era." And it was a massive hit, selling around 200,000 units and providing the lifeline BMW desperately needed to develop the "New Class" models that would eventually lead to the modern 3 Series and the brand we recognize today.

DeMuro, of course, revels in the "quirks and features" of this automotive anomaly. The biggest shocker? The engine is mounted in the back, where you'd expect a trunk. "You look in here and there's an engine, but not a very big one," he notes, describing the flat-twin, horizontally opposed two-cylinder engine. This tiny powerplant is a far cry from the inline-sixes and V8s that define modern BMW performance.

The exterior boasts period-correct tail fins, a nod to 50s American design, and minuscule 12-inch wheels. Even the nascent "kidney grill" is barely recognizable. But it's the front trunk that truly baffles. With the engine in the rear, the front is dedicated to storage, but it requires "no latch or locking key to open." DeMuro hilariously points out, "You wouldn't want to leave anything valuable in the front trunk because anybody could just walk up and open it." Adding to the absurdity, the front trunk also houses the fuel tank, meaning every rainy fill-up would drench your luggage.

Stepping inside, the "basicness" is confirmed. A large, thin-rimmed steering wheel dominates, alongside a gear selector for a four-speed manual with a bizarre "dog leg J pattern" for reverse. Explanations for anything are "severely lacking," with a "large smattering of unlabeled switches and dials and buttons basically everywhere." The turn signals and horn are on one unlabeled stalk, while the headlights are on a dashboard switch, and the parking lights are in the driver's footwell. "All of this completely unlabeled," DeMuro emphasizes, highlighting the sheer confusion a modern driver would face.

Despite its spartan nature, the Luxus model boasts one surprising luxury: a clock on the dashboard. "No tachometer but you have a clock," DeMuro observes, a testament to the priorities of the era. The driving experience, as expected, is a world away from modern BMWs. It's loud, basic, and slow, but in DeMuro's words, "a total hoot." It's fun precisely because it's so different, offering a unique glimpse into automotive history.

Doug DeMuro's review of the BMW 700 is more than just a car review; it's a fascinating historical document, showcasing how far BMW has come and the humble origins of a brand synonymous with luxury and performance. It's a reminder that every automotive giant has its own quirky past. What do you think of this "un-BMW" BMW? Would you dare to drive this piece of history?

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