For Sale at Auction: 1958 BMW Isetta in Auburn, Indiana

The BMW Isetta 600 represents a pivotal step in BMW's postwar recovery and evolution during the late 1950s, bridging the gap between the company's famous microcars and its return to conventional automobiles. Introduced in 1957, the Isetta 600 was developed as a more practical and capable alternative to the original single-door Isetta 250 and 300, which had proven enormously successful in Europe while still recovering from wartime. Unlike its smaller predecessors, the Isetta 600 featured a longer wheelbase, a rear-mounted, air-cooled 582 cc two-cylinder boxer engine derived from BMW motorcycle designs, and seating for four occupants. Power was sent to a four-speed manual gearbox, allowing the car to reach higher cruising speeds and making it more suitable for everyday family use. While it retained the iconic front-hinged "refrigerator door" entry, BMW added a second side door on the right for improved access to the rear seats, signaling a move toward greater practicality. The Isetta 600 played an important developmental role for BMW, as its chassis and layout directly influenced the later BMW 600 and the more conventional BMW 700. Though produced in relatively limited numbers, the Isetta 600 stands as a key transitional model, illustrating BMW's shift from microcar manufacturer back to a builder of full-fledged automobiles. The smallest, but most smiles per miles automobile within The Oscar Roberts Estate Collection, this 1958 BMW Isetta "Limousine" 600 was acquired from a Colorado enthusiast in 1998. A rare sight being a "two-door", four-seat model, this little Isetta was in need of new life and was sent to BMW Isetta specialist Bill Rogers of South Carolina for a comprehensive ground-up restoration. A multiyear process, the restoration was documented by photos and a large file folder of invoice records. Throughout the process, many of the parts were sourced from industry leaders, Isettas-R-Us, Inc. in Georgia, ensuring for an accurate and correct finished product. While many Isettas are finished in classic red, the two-tone color codes for this example were sourced from the Isetta Club, 59569 Azure Blue and 75258 Lichtgrau, and applied by TC's Place in Clermont, Georgia, creating a unique and welcoming appearance. Open up the front swinging door or side door and the cabin is lined with faux leather and woven upholstery. Nicely presented, the mechanics were also addressed during the restoration. The rear-mounted, air-cooled 582 cc flat twin engine fires up and is backed by a four-speed manual gearbox. Producing a factory rated 23 horsepower, this Isetta is easily capable of reaching modern-day speeds, allowing for its owner to enjoy it out and about. Most recently in 2023, this 600 model received a $3,492 mechanical tune up by SweetCars of Fort Wayne, Indiana.Accompanying the sale of this BMW is the previously mentioned large file of invoice records and photos, as well as an instruction manual copy. Nicely restored and well-documented, this desirable 1958 BMW Isetta 600 LWB, is ready to leave its long-term home for the first time in over 25 years. With nothing left to do, the next caretaker can simply welcome this example into their own collection and enthusiastically display it, show it, or enjoy it for its unique and fun driving experience. * Desirable 600 four-seat model
* Recipient of a documented ground-up restoration by Bill Rogers of South Carolina
* Mechanical servicing in 2024 totaling $3,490
* Accompanied by a large file of invoice records and instruction manual copy

The BMW Isetta 600 represents a pivotal step in BMW's postwar recovery and evolution during the late 1950s, bridging the gap between the company's famous microcars and its return to conventional automobiles. Introduced in 1957, the Isetta 600 was developed as a more practical and capable alternative to the original single-door Isetta 250 and 300, which had proven enormously successful in Europe while still recovering from wartime.

Unlike its smaller predecessors, the Isetta 600 featured a longer wheelbase, a rear-mounted, air-cooled 582 cc two-cylinder boxer engine derived from BMW motorcycle designs, and seating for four occupants. Power was sent to a four-speed manual gearbox, allowing the car to reach higher cruising speeds and making it more suitable for everyday family use. While it retained the iconic front-hinged "refrigerator door" entry, BMW added a second side door on the right for improved access to the rear seats, signaling a move toward greater practicality.

The Isetta 600 played an important developmental role for BMW, as its chassis and layout directly influenced the later BMW 600 and the more conventional BMW 700. Though produced in relatively limited numbers, the Isetta 600 stands as a key transitional model, illustrating BMW's shift from microcar manufacturer back to a builder of full-fledged automobiles.

The smallest, but most smiles per miles automobile within The Oscar Roberts Estate Collection, this 1958 BMW Isetta "Limousine" 600 was acquired from a Colorado enthusiast in 1998. A rare sight being a "two-door", four-seat model, this little Isetta was in need of new life and was sent to BMW Isetta specialist Bill Rogers of South Carolina for a comprehensive ground-up restoration. A multiyear process, the restoration was documented by photos and a large file folder of invoice records. Throughout the process, many of the parts were sourced from industry leaders, Isettas-R-Us, Inc. in Georgia, ensuring for an accurate and correct finished product. While many Isettas are finished in classic red, the two-tone color codes for this example were sourced from the Isetta Club, 59569 Azure Blue and 75258 Lichtgrau, and applied by TC's Place in Clermont, Georgia, creating a unique and welcoming appearance. Open up the front swinging door or side door and the cabin is lined with faux leather and woven upholstery.

Nicely presented, the mechanics were also addressed during the restoration. The rear-mounted, air-cooled 582 cc flat twin engine fires up and is backed by a four-speed manual gearbox. Producing a factory rated 23 horsepower, this Isetta is easily capable of reaching modern-day speeds, allowing for its owner to enjoy it out and about.

Most recently in 2023, this 600 model received a $3,492 mechanical tune up by SweetCars of Fort Wayne, Indiana.Accompanying the sale of this BMW is the previously mentioned large file of invoice records and photos, as well as an instruction manual copy.

Nicely restored and well-documented, this desirable 1958 BMW Isetta 600 LWB, is ready to leave its long-term home for the first time in over 25 years. With nothing left to do, the next caretaker can simply welcome this example into their own collection and enthusiastically display it, show it, or enjoy it for its unique and fun driving experience.