Vehicle Description
1957 BMW Isetta 300 Cabriolet
Renzo Rivolta, an Italian, developed the Isetta to create an
economical car that was a cross between a motorbike and automobile
and in 1953, Iso motors launched the car. It did not sell well in
Italy and Renzo shopped the idea around to other countries. France
produced them, (Velam,) and Romi produced them for Brazil and South
America. But it wasn't until BMW licensed the car, at the time
still struggling after post-war restrictions and some unsuccessful
models of their own, that Isetta found an audience. In total
160,000 units were produced.
For consignment, an unrestored and AACA HPOF 2020 award winning
two-owner Isetta once rescued from estate storage and now poised to
welcome a new owner. We are honored to have this little egg-shaped
oddity in our "the hits just keep on coming" showroom; this is a
true standout in many ways. Microcars bring a levity to the car
world and never cease to please onlookers, but also make great
collectables for those with the interest...and maybe not a lot of
space.
Exterior
Despite the need for paint restoration, this is an instant show
car. A good looker at 30 feet, red really suits this car. Walking
up on the car reveals its unrestored condition with areas of
discolored paint, chipping paint, dings and brightwork that's no
longer bright. That said, it is an Isetta and retains all the
charm; an interesting little bug-a-boo with its wide-open round
headlights hanging off either side of the bodywork, to its
narrowing rear with taillights not to be outdone by the headlights,
hanging off the bodywork as well. Bumpers, more like push-bars, are
seen all around gracing each corner, and are accompanied by low
profile front and rear bumpers. A luggage rack, (a logical option),
is mounted to the back, looking very European indeed. Sliding front
windows and tall windows leave a field of exterior viewing almost
panoramic with all the glass. A small canvas sunroof, also in need
of restoration, is seen on top and to complete the conversion to
cabriolet means the folding rear quarter coming off a stationary
b-pillar hoop. We would be remiss if we were not mentioning the
full front swinging entry door complete with tilt out steering
column and wheel for easy access. The 10-inch wheels have been
powder coated and are wrapped by miniature 4.80-10's front tires
and rear.
Interior
Extremely simple yet comfortable and roomier than one might
imagine, a single smooth vinyl cream bench fit for two, (and you
will definitely have to be friends), runs from side to
side...feeling instantly like an amusement park ride. When seated
and the front door is closed, the steering wheel and column
magically come towards you giving you ergonomic access to the turn
signals, a small column mounted speedometer, and an inside fender
mounted reverse pattern 4-speed manual shifter. A mini trio of
pedals surrounds the steering column on the floor, and surprisingly
accommodates the largest shoe sizes. Red-painted wheel wells are
right there in the cabin with you, and interior walls and floor are
no-frills to be sure. A framed net is behind the seats assumingly
to keep cargo on the rear shelf from impeding the driver seat.
Drivetrain
A 289cc 1 cylinder motorcycle engine from BMW rests neatly in the
mid-section of the car and is rated at 13 horsepower. A 1-barrel
Bing carburetor feeds this air-cooled popper, and a 4-speed manual
transmission propels you efficiently forward. A 6.24 rear gear
ratio helps get the car up to speed...eventually.
Undercarriage
Too small for our lift we can peek underneath and we see driver
quality condition with numerous areas of surface rust but nothing
of major concern. Road grime and grease by the wheels is not
totally unexpected and easily remedied. This little baby BMW has
4-wheel drum brakes, leading arm and coil spring suspension in
front, quarter elliptical leaf spring on the narrow back.
Drive-Ability
After a run of big V8's and fast trucks, this little BMW was a
welcome change. It is surprisingly easy to get in and out, and
there is plenty of room when you are in. Ergonomics are pretty good
with everything at your fingertips and the little wheels pick up
any imperfection in the road...giving new meaning to "being one
with the road". It shifted smoothly, and certainly did not have
breakneck acceleration, but instead a smooth buzz as I worked my
way up through the gears. I never attempted to get to top speed,
but it may hit 50 on a stiff tailwind day! It's fun to drive and
will absolutely "steal the show" wherever you take it.
Isetta remains one of the quirkiest cars ever produced and we're
thrilled to have one in our halls. That car alone is worth a ride
to Morgantown and if you've ever wanted to own one, here's a prime
opportunity. It will never cease to be the source of conversation
and interest and...bonus...you don't need tons of space to store
it!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!