BMW

Isetta

300 Export

1958

509516

California old yellow and black plates

Two tone paint, yellow with white top

White

The 300 Series was much improved from the 250.  An export model with over rider bumpers, sun roof, rear luggage rack, interior package tray and beautiful two tone paint.

Professionally restored, by a marque specialist, with a photo album documenting the body off process and various Concours awards verifying the quality.

The design of the Isetta came from the Italian company Iso S.p.A. which was owned by Renzo Rivolta.  Iso was known for building motor scooters, small three wheel trucks and refrigerators.  Rivolta wanted to produce a small car which provided economical transport over short distances for people in post WWII Europe.

Rivolta's engineers designed the "Little Iso" or "Bubble Car" with two small wheels set together in the rear and two set apart in the front.  It was powered by a motorcycle engine.  The door opened in the front allowing entry for two passengers.  The Isetta was so successful that Rivolta sold licensing rights.  Iso S.p.A. stopped  production of the Isetta in  1955 and then went on to build the Iso Rivolta and Iso Grifo sports cars.  BMW purchased the licensing rights and started production of a much modified BMW Isetta in 1955.  The first series was powered by a 250 cc single cylinder, 4 stroke motorcycle engine.  The second series starting in 1957 was the Isetta Motocoupe Deluxe powered by a 300cc engine, producing 13 BHP.  This little car was a success.  It achieved over 60 to 70 MPG and had a top speed of 80 KPH.  BMW stopped production of the Isetta in 1962.

These unique and beautiful little micro cars are hard enough to find let alone take the time to restore.  With the restoration costs often exceeding the value of the car, this is a great opportunity to acquire a beautiful example of BMW’s “Isetta”.