Vehicle Description
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"!
