Vehicle Description
This 1957 BMW Isetta is small, but don't mistake that for stealth.
Sometimes the biggest surprises come in the smallest packages!
Driving this car, you're sure to gather a crowd.
"Isetta" is an Italian word for "little Iso," Iso being originally
a refrigerator manufacturing company that branched out. The single
front door, hinged on one side and carrying the steering wheel and
gauges, even hearkens back to refrigerator design. Such a cool
car!
In 1955 BMW bought the rights from Iso to manufacture the Isetta in
Germany. BMW improved the design right away, and this car benefits
from the larger German motor, still just one cylinder, but
displacing 298 cc and producing a full 13 hp. The air-cooled OHV
engine is backed by a 4-speed manual transmission, and reportedly
propels the Isetta to a top speed of 53 mph. Maybe don't go that
fast, though. Fuel economy approaches 50 mpg with more relaxed
around town cruising.
This 1957 BMW Isetta sliding window coupe is completely restored
using factory parts and comes with the original Bill of Sale
indicating it was sold new in Washington, D.C., on October 10,
1957. Dealer options include a chrome trunk-mount luggage rack,
windshield defrost vent, and white wall tires. At a Lime Rock Rolex
Vintage Festival show, it scored 970 out of 1,000 points (score
sheet included), proof of its quality and appeal. It was part of
the Ron Pratte collection sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2015.
The car is light, so power is adequate, but every other vehicle on
the road is bigger. The car handles well at moderate speeds, but
with limited suspension travel, the car doesn't leave much to the
imagination in terms of road conditions.
If you have the right attitude-unafraid, not taking yourself too
seriously, and a bit of attention seeking-this might be just the
car you were looking for. It's an immaculate first-year U.S. model,
and it's is ready for fun. Call Art & Speed at (901) 850-0507 for
more information.
MECHANICAL
298 cc engine
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Manual Choke (Located inside of car)
Emergency/Parking Brake works as it should
CHASSIS
4-Wheel Drum brakes
Manual Steering
10' Steel wheels
BMW Chrome wheel hub covers
BFGoodrich Silvertown 4.80-10 Tires
EXTERIOR
Beautiful factory color repaint
Great Condition front and rear chrome bumpers
Chrome Trim in good condition minimal wear
Chrome Luggage Carrier in Great Shape
Clear Headlights
Chrome Mirrors
Gray Cloth Convertible top in great condition
INTERIOR
Beautiful Off-White Interior Bench Seat
Cr�me colored Steering Wheel and Dash in great condition
Gauges appear original and working
Working Heater
Windows Slide and Lock perfectly
All lights work as they should
Rubber Black Mat in great condition