BMW Isetta 300cc

Details

The Isetta was the brainchild of Renzo Rivolta, founder of the Italian firm of Iso Spa. Iso was known as a company for building refrigerators, motor scooters and small three-wheeled trucks. In the early 1950’s Rivolta decided he would like to build a small car for mass distribution and in 1952 Iso had designed a small car that used the scooter engine and named it Isetta – an Italian diminutive meaning little Iso.

The Isetta caused a sensation when it was introduced to the motoring press in Turin in November 1953, it was unlike anything seen before. It was so small (only 2.29 m long by 1.37 m wide) and egg-shaped, with bubble-type windows, the entire front end of the car hinged outwards to allow entry. In the event of a crash, the driver and passenger were to exit through the canvas sunroof! The steering wheel and instrument panel swung out with the single door, as this made access to the single bench seat simpler. The seat provided reasonable comfort for two occupants, and perhaps a small child.

The Bubble Car was born and the Isetta was ultimately a huge success. Rivolta decided the best way to capitalise on this success was sell licences to other companies to manufacture the little car. Over the years Isettas were manufactured in countries all over the world, including Spain, Belgium, France, Brazil, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Perhaps the best known of the Isettas is the BMW Isetta, the first of which was built in 1955 and was powered by a 247cc single cylinder four stroke engine. In time the power plant was upgraded to 300cc and the Isetta was built in both three and four wheel configuration.

Circa 160,000 BMW Isettas were built, however, today the numbers are thin on the ground and they are quite hard to find.

These cars are becoming quite collectible and almost every serious car collector or enthusiast has either had one or wants to have one!

We are pleased offer a freshly restored BMW Isetta 300cc three wheeler. This particular car was manufactured and delivered new in the UK in 1959 and has been recently imported into Australia. The car has gone through a comprehensive restoration over a three year period and today it presents fabulously in a shade of French blue with matching tartan gray and blue seats.

During the restoration the car was totally stripped and everything was either restored or replaced. After stripping down the car completely all necessary shot blasting and painting was carried out. The bodywork has been sealed inside and out to prevent corrosion and new sound proofing was fitted as original. The engine and gearbox were stripped down and rebuilt with new oil seals, valves, gaskets and value springs fitted.

A photographic record of the restoration accompanies the car.

It looks great and drives even better!

A small tool roll, owners hand book and workshop manual accompany the car.

---