Discover this stunning reproduction of the 1962 BMW 700 LS published by Minichamps. This miniature perfectly captures the essence of this revolutionary berlinette that marked a decisive turning point in BMW's history. With its immaculate white coat and meticulous finishes, this piece serves as an exceptional testimony of an era when German automotive innovation was gaining new momentum.
This faithful reproduction is aimed at passionate collectors of 1960s automobiles and enthusiasts of BMW's history. It naturally finds its place alongside other iconic models from this pivotal period in European automotive history.
Miniature Features
- Model: BMW 700 LS
- Brand: BMW
- Year: 1962
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: White
- Manufacturer: Minichamps
- Protective case included: Yes
The BMW 700 LS in Automotive History
The BMW 700 LS made its debut in 1959 and underwent several iterations until 1965. This compact berlinette marked a complete break from previous BMW productions, adopting a revolutionary architecture with its air-cooled 697 cm³ two-cylinder engine mounted at the rear. The LS (Luxus Sport) model represented the most advanced version of the range, offering remarkable performance for its time with its 32 horsepower.
This automobile perfectly embodied the spirit of the emerging 1960s, combining economy and driving pleasure. Its monocoque body and streamlined lines made it an accessible object of desire, democratizing access to high-quality German automobiles. The BMW 700 LS excelled particularly in competition, achieving numerous successes in rallying and on the track.
The commercial success was evident with over 188,000 units produced across all versions, literally saving BMW from a critical financial situation and paving the way for future series that would establish the global reputation of the Bavarian brand.
BMW in the Early 1960s
At the time of the launch of the 700 LS, BMW was going through a crucial period in its existence. Founded in 1916, the Bavarian brand had experienced glorious moments in the interwar years with its roadsters and aviation engines, but the post-war period forced it into a difficult transition. The 1950s saw BMW oscillate between producing expensive luxury cars and assembling the Italian Isetta under license.
The BMW 700 represented the missing link in the range, positioned between the tiny Isetta and the imposing V8 sedans of the 500 series. This production strategy allowed BMW to redefine its identity and lay the groundwork for its current premium positioning. The Munich manufacturer thus proved its ability to innovate in the sporty compact car segment, a know-how that would fully blossom with the future 02 and 3 series.
This pivotal period also saw BMW strengthen its ties with motorsports, using the 700 as a testing laboratory to develop the technical expertise that would later characterize the brand. The legacy of this era is found in the very DNA of BMW, where performance and efficiency remain inseparable.
The Sports Epic of a Small Revolutionary
The story of the BMW 700 LS holds a delightful anecdote that perfectly illustrates the fighting spirit of this small berlinette. In 1960, during the Monte Carlo rally, several private teams entered their BMW 700s against the significantly more powerful engines of established manufacturers. These automotive Davids faced the Goliaths of the time with a courage that earned admiration.
The most remarkable was undoubtedly the achievement of the German crew Schock-Moll, who, at the wheel of their 700, managed to outpace several Mercedes-Benz 220 SEs and other Jaguars in the mountain stages. This unexpected performance made waves in the Monaco paddock and helped forge BMW's emerging sporting reputation.
Moreover, the BMW 700 LS quickly became the darling of German circuits, where its exceptional maneuverability and reliability allowed it to dominate its category. Victories piled up at the Nürburgring, propelling BMW into a new sporting dimension. These competition successes transformed the brand's image among the public, who discovered an accessible yet authentically sporty BMW.
This era also marked the beginnings of drivers who would become famous, using the 700 LS as a driving school before climbing the ranks to more powerful machines. The small BMW democratized access to motorsports, creating a generation of enthusiasts loyal to the Bavarian brand.
Complete Your Miniature Collection
This Minichamps BMW 700 LS naturally finds its place in any collection dedicated to German automobiles from the 1960s. It harmonizes beautifully with other models from the BMW collection, perfectly illustrating the stylistic and technical evolution of the Munich manufacturer. Automobile enthusiasts from the 1960s will reconnect with the spirit of a revolutionary decade.
Collectors focused on compact sedans will appreciate the complementarity with other iconic models of this category. Minichamps quality ensures perfect aesthetic coherence with other reproductions from the German manufacturer, renowned for its attention to detail and historical fidelity.
This miniature is particularly aimed at collectors passionate about automotive history and enthusiasts of competition vehicles, the 700 LS having brilliantly defended BMW's colors in rallying. It also serves as an excellent starting point for discovering the world of 1/43 scale miniatures, the reference scale for discerning collectors.
