1960 BMW Isetta 300

Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris|1 February 2024, 13:30 CET|Paris, The Grand Palais Historique

1960 BMW Isetta 300
Chassis no. 321489

• Acquired for the collection in 2017
• Restored in 2015
• Finished in an original colour combination
• Registered in the EU, in Ireland

One of the more successful designs of the cabin scooter's heyday was the BMW Isetta, which the German firm manufactured under license from its Italian originator Iso. The Isetta is of historical significance for BMW as it strengthened the German manufacturer's fragile financial position during the mid/late 1950s; indeed the importance BMW places on this iconic car may be gained from the fact that it has its own special display in their museum in Munich. Production commenced in 1955 and a total of 161,728 had been built by the end of production in 1962.
This Isetta 300 is powered by a 298cc single-cylinder producing 13hp at 5,800rpm, which drives via a four-speeds-plus-reverse gearbox. Its top speed is around 83km/h (52mph). Uniquely, the steering wheel swings out as the door is opened providing easy access to both seats.
This example was professionally restored to a very high standard prior to 2017. It is finished in an original colour combination and has bright chromework, which makes this car stand out from the crowd and always attracts favourable attention. According to the vendor, the car is responsive and very enjoyable to drive, performing well through all gears.
Elvis Presley was keenly interested in microcars. While he was serving in Germany with the United States Army he was photographed in a BMW Isetta, which greatly increased the popularity and appeal of this car with younger drivers (photograph on file). Accompanying documentation consist of an EU registration certificate and an original sales brochure.

Footnotes

1960 BMW Isetta 300
Chassis n° 321489

• Acquise pour la collection en 2017
• Restaurée en 2015
• Livrée d'origine
• Immatriculation européenne irlandaise

L'un des concepts de mini voiture les plus réussis à l'époque de leur popularité était la BMW Isetta, que la marque allemande fabriquait sous licence de son créateur italien, Iso. L'Isetta est d'une importance capitale dans l'histoire de BMW car elle permit de consolider la position financière fragile du constructeur allemand vers la fin des années 1950. L'importance qu'accorde BMW à cette voiture emblématique peut être mesurée par sa présence dans un espace dédié au musée à Munich. La production débuta en 1955 et un total de 161 728 unités en avait été construit lorsqu'elle prit fin en 1962.
Cette Isetta 300 reçoit un moteur monocylindre de 298 cm3 développant 13 ch à 5 800 tr/min, associé à une boîte à quatre rapports plus marche arrière. Sa vitesse maximale est de 83 km/h. De façon très originale, le volant pivote avec la porte frontale, dégageant un accès facile aux deux places.
Cet exemplaire a été restauré professionnellement à un très haut niveau de qualité avant 2017. Elle est dans son harmonie de couleurs d'origine avec des chromes en bon état qui la distinguent des autres et attire toujours les regards flatteurs. Selon le vendeur, la voiture est nerveuse et très agréable à conduire sur chacun des rapports.

Elvis Presley adorait les microcars. Pendant son service militaire en Allemagne dans l'armée américaine, il a été photographié dans une BMW Isetta, ce qui augmenta son attrait et sa popularité auprès des jeunes conducteurs (photographie au dossier). La documentation qui l'accompagne comprend son certificat d'immatriculation dans l'Union européenne et sa brochure d'origine.

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