1957 BMW Isetta 300

Quail Motorcar Auction|14 August 2020, 11:00 PDT|Los Angeles

1957 BMW ISETTA 300
Chassis no. 500153

298cc 1-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
13bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Swing-Arm Front Suspension, Leaf-Spring Rear Suspension

*The Iconic 'Bubble Car'
*Presented in wonderful condition
*From a well known BMW Collection.
*Striking red and white color scheme.
*Recent participant in BMW CCA Oktoberfest Isetta Race

Previewing in Greenville, South Carolina by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Popular during the 1950s and 1960s, the diminutive 'bubble car' or 'cabin scooter' is currently enjoying a revival of interest - not surprisingly given the congested state of today's urban roads. Nowadays though, the Bubble's attraction has just as much to do with fashion as practicality. One of the more successful designs of the cabin scooter's heyday was the BMW Isetta, a design the German firm manufactured under license from its Italian originator Iso. The name means 'little Iso'. Renzo Rivolta's Iso was not selling well in its native Italy, faced with stiff competition from the FIAT 500 and 600, and it would be left to BMW to fully exploit the design's potential.

Although at first glance a three-wheeler, the German-built Isetta used a pair of closely spaced wheels at the rear and was powered by a BMW single-cylinder four-stroke motorcycle engine of 247cc, replacing the original's noisy two-stroke motor. The coachwork of early examples featured a side-hinged single door at the front, roll-top sunroof, and fixed side windows, while the steering wheel and dashboard were attached to the door to facilitate entry. The two-seater Isettas most popular accessory, understandably so given the limited interior space, was a small luggage rack mounted at the rear. Later (1957-onwards) models incorporated sliding side windows for better ventilation. These improved models displaced 297cc, and the 'big' Isetta 300 was reckoned capable of 65mph and 55mpg. Approximately 162,000 Isettas had been made by the time production ceased in 1962.

The quintessential microcar, this Isetta 300. In 2015 it was purchased by the consigner a BMW enthusiast and trustee of the BMW Foundation in Greer, SC. Since then it has been part of the consigners BMW collection. It has been maintained to the highest level and was a participant in the BMW Club Isetta race at the last BMW CCA Oktoberfest.

Undoubtedly one of the most unique driving experiences within the expansive automotive landscape, no collection is complete without a bubble car. This well-presented example should not be passed on.

Saleroom notices

Please note, the title will be in transit.

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