Vehicle Description
1958 BMW Isetta
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Due to the fact that the Isetta, nicknamed Das Rollende Ei (the
rolling egg) was only a marginal seller, and Iso wanted to
concentrate on sports car production, he decided to sell the rights
to the Isetta. BMW, which was in dire financial straits at the time
and facing the prospect of a buyout by Mercedes-Benz, was in need
of a fast-selling product, and was one of three purchasers of the
rights. Its fuel economy of 60-63 miles per gallon was comparable
to that of today's hybrid-electric cars. Some British models were
produced with three wheels, allowing it to be registered as a
motorcycle and avoiding taxation and licensing requirements.
Introduction of the Mini in 1959 signaled the end of the Isetta's
popularity, but the rolling egg had achieved its purpose, bringing
BMW back from the brink of financial failure and securing its
future.
Calling all parts hounds, sleeve-rollers, welder-wielders and
elbow-greasers. This 1958 BMW Isetta 600 TZ modeled limousine for
sale at Classic Auto Mall might not have all its parts - and might
have some rust issues instead - but it sure opens up the floodgates
of imagination. Who wouldn't like to see it turned into a gasser?
Or maybe a lowrider? Lifted off-roader? What would you do with
it?
Exterior
Lite yellow original paint covers this 2-door car. Driver access is
through the front door which swings open and is attached to its
foldable mechanism steering column. Passenger access is through a
door on the car's passenger side only, hence the 600 Designation
and referral to an Isetta Limo? Who'd-a-thought! Larger than the
standard Isetta by 1 bench seat in the rear, and 1 door for access
to it. Chrome is corroded, badging is there and there are
definitely parts missing. Amazingly, just slight exterior rust on
this mini limo.
Interior
Dressed in all the finer 1958 had to offer with cloth inserts and
vinyl bolsters, the somewhat well-worn surfaces, but the springs,
padding and coverings are still there, as are the original door
panels. A fine utilitarian rubber matting covers the floor. The
dash is intact, and the odometer shows 24,000 miles however it is
not known about original miles. Headliner is mostly rotted away,
and pillar linings will need replaced. Glass is all present and
accounted for.
Drivetrain
This 600 is powered by the 582cc (35.5ci) flat-twin engine from the
R67 motorcycle/sidecar combination. This engine, which delivered
19.5 horsepower at 4,500 revolutions per minute, was mounted behind
the rear wheels. A four-speed manual gearbox was standard. This 600
has a top speed of approximately 100 km/h, which is somewhat scary
considering the size of this car and the position of the driver.
Currently this engine does not run and is missing some parts.
Undercarriage
Rust abounds and is seen in surface form, and some corrosive rust.
A frame off restoration will reveal its true structural condition,
as is now, it is very difficult to tell exact conditions.
An interesting and somewhat rare example of late 50's BMW design
and its quest to stay afloat, and it worked! This is definitely a
barn find, but is mostly there for the taking, and fueling your
micro car imagination.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.