1957 - BMW 600 Wallpapers for PC
Public response to the little Isetta was gratifying to BMW, but as its shortcomings were also pointed out at this time ("too small"),
it was decided to go "up a class" and produce a larger car with room
for four. Management by May 1956 had already committed to the
introduction of the BMW 700, a totally new design, by 1959, so the 600
was seen as an easily produced interim model using already existing
Isetta production equipment.
The 1956 prototype did indeed look like a stretched Isetta,
with its stock 2-tone front door and Isetta bumpers, but with the
wheelbase lengthened by 165cm and R67 boxer motor driving full-width
axles.
August 1957 saw the proper introduction of the model, to universal acclaim. Stylish looks (Michelotti had been involved)
with its new "knife edge" bumpers, fantastic room inside with rear seat
access by a side door, and the motor no longer sat in the passenger
compartment. It was quiet, its wheel at each corner design gave a great
ride, and there was sufficient power for hill-climbing. It was even
available with a Saxomat automatic transmission. It was pricey, however,
at 200 Marks more than a VW Beetle. Plans for multi-tasking the car a
la Multipla remained in the drawer.
Despite all its virtues, excellent build quality, space
utilization, and ride quality, there was no denying that by 1959 the
population wanted a normal-looking "real" car, and in particular the new
in-house BMW 700, which was to eventually sell to the tune of 182,000
examples.
At the end of 1959, after only 35,000 examples had been built, the 600 was phased out in favour of the 700.
The original Isetta, despite a 1959 company memo declaring
that "it belonged in a museum", would continue to be built for another
three years, and in England five.
Source | microcarmuseum
