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, a 1957 BMW Isetta 300 cabriolet with a title
verified 18,030 actual miles. 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 collectibles for those with an endless interest but limited
space.
Exterior
Red might be the most common and some say, the best color for an
Isetta and this one 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 tail lights
externally mounted as well. Bumpers, more like push bars, are seen
all around gracing each corner, and are accompanied by low profile
front and rear bumpers and everything is chrome and shiny. A
luggage rack, (a logical option), is mounted to the back, looking
very European indeed and gravel guards protect the paint behind the
front wheels. Sliding and tall side windows leave a field of
exterior viewing almost panoramic when coupled with the windshield.
A small canvas sunroof, in good shape if not a bit dirty, 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. Some of the 10-inch wheels show definite patina and
some surface rust and all are wrapped by miniature 4.80-10's white
wall tires. Overall, the red paint is very good with blemishes that
include a few scuffs and chips.
Interior
Extremely simple yet comfortable and roomier than one might
imagine, a single smooth vinyl red 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. We note some hairline
cracks in the white plastic steering wheel. A trio of mini 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 with some worn red carpet in the footwell. The
package shelf behind the seats is covered in red carpet and is in
clean condition.
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 conditions with numerous areas of surface rust but nothing
of major concern. Wheel components are fairly clean. This baby BMW
has drum brakes at each end, leading arm and coil spring suspension
in front, quarter elliptical leaf spring on the narrow back. A
single exhaust travels a short distance through a stock style
muffler and terminates under the car through a short tailpipe.
Drive-Ability
As per the notes from our consignor's mechanic. This car does run
and drive but will need a new carburetor, or at least a rebuild
along with a new fuel shut off and a new fuel filter installed as
there is not presently one inline.
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 to see our inventory, and if you've ever wanted to
own an Isetta, 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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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!
