Skip to main content

LOT 46

1958 BMW Isetta 600 Chassis no. 132907 Engine no. 120458

Sold for US$67,200 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 46

1958 BMW Isetta 600

1958 BMW Isetta 600
Chassis no. 132907
Engine no. 120458

582cc OHV Flat 2-Cylinder Engine
Twin Carburetors
26bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Beautifully restored inside and out to a very high level
*Top-of-the-line 600 Series example in lovely Ivory over Orange livery
*A must have in any micro car collection
*Easy to drive and guaranteed amusement



THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

With only two seats, the Isetta's market was limited, and BMW needed something larger. Management had already committed to making an entirely new model - the 700 - and resources were limited, so the decision was made to create a lengthened Isetta as a placeholder until the 700 would be introduced in 1959. Deriving its name from the BMW R67 motorcycle-sourced boxer motor, the 600 looked just like an Isetta up front - and even retained its front suspension - but featured a new perimeter frame and the first ever usage of semi-trailing arm suspension on a BMW motorcar. A second row of seats and a right side door added space and usability.

The resultant design was clean and well-presented - it is understood that Michelotti had his hand in it - well constructed, and adequately powered to allow for spirited driving. The ride was nice too, with the wheels mounted at the far corners of the body. Alas, the price was high, about 200 Marks above that of a VW Beetle, and the buying public was starting to hanker for a more 'normal' looking vehicle. Only 35,000 600s left the factory before the more conventional looking 700 replaced it in late 1959.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Finished in a lovely two-tone Ivory over Orange livery, with color-coded wheels and chromed bumpers, the top-of-the-line BMW Isetta 600 offered here looks just right, and upon close inspection, it is apparent that a thorough restoration was performed at some stage in the past.
The little BMW displays stunning paintwork accented by sparkling chrome and brightwork, while the light-colored interior is equally well presented and restored to factory-correct specifications. The spare wheel is fitted to the front entrance door, and in the rear one will notice a very clean engine compartment. Offered from a prominent Nevada-based collection, the Isetta has recently been serviced. A smart, innovative, and very handsome microcar that would fit into any collection, and surely attract lots of smiles, this Isetta 600 deserves serious consideration.

Additional information

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Specialist section

Auction Viewings

  • 17 August 2022, 09:00 - 18:00 PDT
  • 18 August 2022, 09:00 - 18:00 PDT
  • 19 August 2022, 08:30 - 11:00 PDT

Bid now on these items

1935 Jaguar SS 2.5 Saloon
France
Coming soon

1935 Jaguar SS 2.5 Saloon

€40,000 - €60,000
1976 Rolls Royce Corniche
France
Coming soon

1976 Rolls Royce Corniche

€50,000 - €70,000
1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal by Bertone
Denmark

1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal by Bertone

DKK450,000 - DKK600,000
1987 Saab 900 Turbo Cabriolet
Denmark

1987 Saab 900 Turbo Cabriolet

DKK275,000 - DKK350,000
1899 Phébus 2¼hp Motor Tricycle
United Kingdom

1899 Phébus 2¼hp Motor Tricycle

£50,000 - £60,000
1910 Brasier 12/18HP 12C Tourer
United KingdomOffered without reserve

1910 Brasier 12/18HP 12C Tourer

£40,000 - £60,000
Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939 c.1902 Progress 9hp Two-Seat Open Tourer
United Kingdom

Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939
c.1902 Progress 9hp Two-Seat Open Tourer

£35,000 - £45,000
Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939 c.1903 Baker Electric Two-Seat Runabout
United Kingdom

Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939
c.1903 Baker Electric Two-Seat Runabout

£35,000 - £45,000
Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939 c.1903 Darracq 12hp Twin-Cylinder Four-Seat Rear-Entrance Tonneau
United Kingdom

Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939
c.1903 Darracq 12hp Twin-Cylinder Four-Seat Rear-Entrance Tonneau

£55,000 - £75,000
Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939 c.1903 Swift 6hp Three-Seater
United Kingdom

Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939
c.1903 Swift 6hp Three-Seater

£35,000 - £45,000
1913 Hotchkiss Model AD 20/30 Tourer
United Kingdom

1913 Hotchkiss Model AD 20/30 Tourer

£50,000 - £60,000
1902 Beaufort 8hp Two-Seater Phaeton
United Kingdom

1902 Beaufort 8hp Two-Seater Phaeton

£50,000 - £70,000
1923 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Limousine
United Kingdom

1923 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Limousine

£50,000 - £70,000
c.1901 Gladiator Four-Seat Rear-Entrance Tonneau
United KingdomOffered without reserve

c.1901 Gladiator Four-Seat Rear-Entrance Tonneau

£50,000 - £70,000