For Sale: 1956 BMW Isetta in Island Lake, Illinois

HIGHLIGHTS
• The beneficiary of a frame-off restoration
• Very rare Convertible (according to what we have researched, only 15 known to be built)
• 300cc BMW 1-cylinder
• 4-speed manual transmission
• Retractable canvas convertible roof
• 10-inch BF Good Rich tires on 10" steel wheels

In the collector car world, unique cars usually command big attention and serious money. That begs the question: how do you get a stellar style that's wrapped around road-ready mechanicals without draining your kid's college fund? Well, you can start by taking a serious look at this cool Isetta 300 Convertible! A Teutonic take on Italy's beloved Iso bubble car, this classic wraps 298cc of BMW power and a row-it-yourself 4-speed in crowd-pleasing aesthetics that are the direct result of a detailed restoration. If you're in the market for a cool collectible that's guaranteed to fit anywhere in your collection and draw a big crowd, you may have found your next obsession!

BODYWORK/TRIM
Fresh out of a frame-off restoration, this tidy BMW layers a fresh combination of red and white 2-stage on bulbous metal that, prior to its massage, was essentially rust-free. At the front of that little red body, a vented door hangs correct BMW badging and a mirrored Euro Front bumper with a polished wiper, and a polished handle & hinges. At the sides of that big door, a highly polished body leads the eye to chrome-trimmed headlights and amber side marker lamps, which is only found on the Euro cars. And at the back of that Convertible roof, a small luggage rack with a cute picnic basket that shades a polished rear bumper & chrome trimmed tail lights.

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN
When the original BMW Isetta hit the scene, it featured a 250cc, 12 horsepower motorcycle engine. But, thanks to regulations adjustments, 1959 saw the introduction of the 300 model and its 298cc, 13 horsepower mill. Interestingly, that micro mill spins torque to a tough 4-speed transmission. Naturally, that drivetrain rolls in a fully reconditioned chassis that's ready to hit the pavement. There's a quartet of drum brakes, which have no problem bringing this lightweight rig to a fast stop. And power meets the pavement through stainless-capped steelies, which twist 145/80R10 BF Goodrich with white walls and 758s in front of 145SR10 also with white walls.

INTERIOR
Simplicity has always been a main selling point of the Isetta, even in the realm of classics. And you can't get much more basic than this coupe's clean cockpit. An upright bench features an appealing combination of plaid and vinyl. In front of that seat, a small mirror reflects a simple speedometer. To the left of that speedo, a pristine inner fender props a small shifter behind sparse climate control. And in front of the driver, a color-keyed steering wheel laps small foot pedals.

Vintage European metal has aged with more grace than most, wearing designs that are still capable of turning heads in their basic factory form. And since they're pretty scarce in many parts of the world, polished bubble cars get snapped up almost as quickly as they hit the market. Ready to cruise something truly unique? It's time to "rendezvous at the Isetta"!

Vin Number 494905