Vehicle Description
BID ONLINE for this vehicle at Bid.WheelerAuctionGroup.com
Year: 1961
Make: BMW
Model: Isetta 250
Body Style: 2 Seat Micro Car
VIN: 468293
Color Exterior: Light Blue
Color Interior: Blue/White with black/white and black roll top
Mileage: NA
Motor Configuration: 247 cc - One-cylinder four stroke 12 HP
Transmission: 4-Speed, manual
When the tiny, unconventional automobile was introduced at the
Turin Auto Show in 1953, it caused quite a commotion. It literally
looked like something from another planet. The Isetta, meaning
"Little Iso," was first manufactured by the Italian firm Iso. Renzo
Rivolta's Iso was not selling well in its native Italy so in 1955
BMW bought the name and the manufacturing rights from ISO and
started to produce the Isetta in Germany. BMW saw the car as
filling a gap between their motorcycle range and the luxury 501
models. Engineers got busy redesigning the power plant around a BMW
1-cylinder, stroke, 247cc motorcycle engine that generated a whole
12hp.
Known as the BMW Isetta 250, it first appeared in April 1955 and
became the world's first mass-production car to achieve a fuel
consumption of 78 miles per gallon. It was the top selling
single-cylinder car in the world, with 161,788 units built between
1955 and 1962. In Germany, the Isetta 250 could even be driven with
a motorcycle license. The top speed of the Isetta 250 was rated as
85 km/h (53 mph).
Only 7.5 feet long and 4.5 feet wide with bubble-type windows, the
entire front end of the car hinged outwards to allow entry - with
the steering wheel and instrument panel swinging out with the door.
Ventilation (and emergency exit) for driver and passenger was
provided by a canvas sunroof.
In 2009 this Isetta 250 was restored in Germany by an BMW
Dealership and then sold to a collector in the USA. He bought the
Isetta to make it part of his private Museum/Collection. Never
titled the car in the US. Still has the German title
(Fahrzeugbrief). All import documents ready to apply for US title.
Car will be sold with Bill of Sale.
Finished in "Baby-Blue" and white/Blue interior, bench seat, chrome
mirrors, clear headlights, 10" steel wheels, manual steering. The
air-cooled One-Cylinder engine is backed by a 4-speed Manual
transmission. Top Speed app. 53 mph.
The odometer shows 30.660 Kilometers. (App. 19,000 miles) We
believe original kilometers but not guaranteed. Fuel tank and
carburetor were recently cleaned, also a new battery was installed.
This Isetta is in good condition and ready for fun.
Today, the popularity of these cars has exploded, and examples such
as this 250-series Isetta are in high demand.
Vehicle is located in Florida. Buyer/Bidder will be responsible for
pickup or shipping charges from this location to wherever they are
shipping it to.
