For Sale: 1958 BMW Isetta in Charlotte, North Carolina

SUMMARY

The beneficiary of a ground-up restoration

300cc BMW 1-cylinder

4-speed manual transmission

Retractable canvas roof

10-inch steel wheels

In the collector car world, unique cars usually command big attention and serious money. That begs the question: how do you get 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! 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 collectable that's guaranteed to draw a crowd, you've found your next obsession!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Fresh out of a ground-up 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 pigment, a vented door hangs correct badging and a mirrored bumper between polished wipers, a polished handle and a polished horn. At the sides of that door, polished fender guards lead the eye to chrome-trimmed headlights and bullet-style marker lamps, which found sliding side windscreens beneath a canvas roof. And at the back of that roof, a small luggage rack shades a polished fuel filler, two more fender guards, a trio of taillights and a second mirrored bumper.

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN

When the original BMW Isetta hit the scene, it featured a 250cc, 12 horsepower motorcycle engine. But, thanks to regulations adjustments, 1956 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 fully sorted and ready to pound 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 Kumho Power Star 758s in front of 145SR10 Michelin XZXs.

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"!