Vehicle Description
The BMW of today, with its tech-laden super-sedans, hybrid sports
cars, and ultra-luxury SUVs, might not exist if not for an Italian
refrigeration company named Isothermos. This unlikely connection
began in 1942 when Isothermos was acquired by a young engineer and
industrial heir, Renzo Rivolta. Driven by a passion for motoring,
Rivolta expanded the company's portfolio to include motorbikes and
renamed it Iso Autoveicoli S.p.A. After World War II, as Europeans
sought to return to the roads amid a scarcity of raw materials and
fuel, traditional cars were out of reach for many. While motorbikes
and scooters gained popularity, they proved impractical in adverse
weather and for families. To bridge this gap, several manufacturers
began producing motorbike-powered microcars, providing an
affordable, efficient, and practical transportation solution for
the masses. Seeking to capitalize on this emerging market, Renzo
Rivolta developed a two-passenger microcar featuring a single front
clamshell door and a small motorbike engine mounted amidships.
Introduced in 1953, the Iso Isetta Turismo epitomized the charming
bubble car. Adorable and highly efficient, it could transport two
passengers and a few groceries, though its performance was modest,
with just 236 cc and 9.5 horsepower. Despite its limited speed, it
proved quite successful in the domestic market, with 20,000 units
produced at the Iso factory in Milan. Rivolta 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
manufacturers 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. They
made some modifications, including adapting the design to accept a
250 cc four-stroke engine shared with the R25/3 motorcycle and
implementing 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!
Our featured 1957 Isetta 300 is a superb example, fully restored
and presented in excellent condition. Finished in period-correct
Cortina Grey paint, the restoration has been carried out to
extremely high standards. The single, front-mounted door fits
properly, and the body panels are straight and clean. Every Isetta
features a large folding fabric sunroof that also serves as an
emergency exit should the front clamshell door become blocked. The
roof has been restored with correct black vinyl material, and the
fit is neat and tidy. The sliding side windows and windscreen are
all in excellent condition, with the chrome trim showing only mild
signs of age but still overall very well presented. The tubular
bumpers, which protect the delicate body, have been beautifully
restored with excellent chrome plating. It rides on proper 4.80 x
10 whitewall tires fitted to nicely painted steel wheels dressed
with original BMW hubcaps. The interior has been immaculately
restored using period-correct materials, with the bench seat and
door pockets beautifully crafted in red basketweave upholstery.
While the Isetta offers little in terms of luxury-being only a few
steps removed from a motorcycle-it more than compensates with its
abundant charm. The single-cylinder BMW motorbike engine runs
extremely well. Access is straightforward, thanks to a removable
side panel, and the engine is clean and well-presented with proper
finishes and fittings. The suspension and driveline are in
similarly good condition, and the car exhibits excellent road
manners. With just 13 horsepower on tap, every drive in an Isetta
is an adventure, making it nearly impossible not to smile while
operating the 4-speed gearbox and listening to the characteristic
buzz of the single-cylinder engine. 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 of 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. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7756-1957-bmw-isetta/
