Vehicle Description
The BMW of today, with its tech-laden super-sedans, hybrid sports
cars, and ultra-luxury SUVs would probably not exist if it weren't
for an Italian refrigeration company named Isothermos. This
incongruous connection began in 1942 when Isothermos was purchased
by a young engineer and heir to an industrial fortune, Renzo
Rivolta. With a passion for motoring, Rivolta began to expand the
company's range, adding motorbikes to the portfolio and renaming
the works Iso Autoveicoli S.p.A. After World War II, Europeans were
desperate to get back on wheels, but with raw materials and fuel at
a premium, few could afford a conventional car. Motorbikes and
scooters became hugely popular, but they were impractical in bad
weather or for families. As a way to bridge the gap between bike
and car, several manufacturers built motorbike-powered microcars
that offered cheap, efficient, and practical transport for the
masses. Wanting to cash in on this new market, Renzo Rivolta began
development of a 2-passenger microcar with a single front clamshell
door, and a small capacity motorbike engine mounted amidships.
Introduced in 1953, the Iso Isetta Turismo was the quintessential
cheeky bubble car. It was adorable, it could transport two people
and some groceries, and it was highly efficient, if not terribly
quick thanks to having just 236 c.c. and 9 � horsepower. It turned
out to be reasonably successful in the home market, with 20,000
built at the Iso works in Milan. Iso recognized a viable market for
the Isetta, but he lacked the manufacturing capacity to meet
Europe-wide demand. Rivolta's stroke of genius came in 1954 when he
sold the rights to the design to a number of different companies in
Europe and South America. Among those firms was BMW, who was
struggling through the post-war recovery. Most of their factories
were devastated by bombing, and their Eisenach works fell within
Russian-controlled East Germany. BMW's post-war product line
consisted mainly of expensive six and eight-cylinder luxury cars
that, while capable, had limited appeal in the post-war economy.
Lacking the time and resources to develop a small car, the Isetta
was the perfect opportunity to support the bottom line. Of course,
they couldn't help but to fettle with the design, modifying it to
accept a 250 c.c. four-stroke engine shared with the R25/3
motorcycle and making minor styling changes. In 1956, BMW bumped
the capacity to 298 c.c. which gave the new Isetta 300 nearly
one-and-a-half times the power output over the 250. With a storming
13 horsepower on tap, not even hills could stop BMW's mighty-mouse!
The Isetta continues to delight today's collectors, and even the
most serious collections make room for the adorable - yet
historically significant - German bubble car. The 1958 Isetta 300
featured here is one of the finest of the type we have ever
encountered. Recently out of the collection of a dedicated microcar
enthusiast, it is meticulously restored and detailed to a very high
standard, finished in the lovely period correct color scheme of
Federweis over Azurblau, code 549. The attention to detail is
remarkable, particularly the quality of the body and paintwork
which has been restored to better-than-new standards. Outstanding
brightwork accents the lovely blue and off-white color scheme. The
front end features optional bumper "over riders" as well as the
integrated front bumper finished in exquisite, show-quality chrome.
Polished aluminum trim runs along the body sides, and more finely
restored chrome surrounds the windows. The finishing touch is a set
of wide whitewall tires on original steel wheels dressed with
original BMW hubcaps. It is difficult not to smile in the presence
of this cheerful little Isetta, which feels so fresh and new. This
car's impeccable presentation makes it easy to see why BMW sold
more than 160,000 examples of "the egg." The cozy cockpit has been
restored to the same exacting standard as the exterior. Simple
heavy-grain vinyl panels provide a bit of insulation from the body,
while a basic rubber mat lines the floor. Blue basketweave vinyl
covers the simple bench seat, which is reasonably comfortable so
long as the two occupants are on good terms. The Isetta's party
piece is the single, front-mounted clamshell door. The steering
column and dash cleverly swing out of the way on a series of
universal joints allowing for easy ingress. Once situated behind
the wheel, the Isetta is surprisingly airy thanks to the panoramic
windshield and generous greenhouse. The fabric sunroof (fitted to
every Isetta built) also helps, which also serves as a secondary
exit should the front door become blocked. Much like the body, the
quality of the materials and detailing is first-rate. Original
style labels and stickers are faithfully reproduced; particularly
handy is the graphic showing the reverse layout for the four-speed
shifter that sprouts from the body at the driver's left hand.
Factory-original switches and controls are restored to like-new
condition. It takes a short time to get used to driving an Isetta,
but once comfortable; the experience is pure delight. The 298 c.c.
engine is fizzy and full of character, providing enough power to
buzz around town, while the ultra-short wheelbase allows it to be
maneuvered just about anywhere. This example runs strong, and the
previous owner took great care to ensure it operates just as it
should. It was shown at the 2016 AACA National Fall Meet at
Hershey, where it was awarded its First Junior, and it will
certainly show extremely well in the future. The Isetta is a
significant vehicle in BMW's illustrious history. It kept the
company afloat during a difficult period, and it spawned the
two-cylinder 700 series which is credited with saving BMW from a
last-minute sale to Mercedes-Benz. The tiny car carried a bit
weight on its shoulders. Overflowing with charm and character, this
Isetta is one of the most iconic of the bubble cars. The stunning
restoration makes this car an essential addition to virtually any
diverse collection.
