Skip to main content

LOT 112

1958 BMW Isetta 300 Microcar Chassis no. 594286

Sold for US$21,280 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 112

1958 BMW Isetta 300 Microcar

1958 BMW Isetta 300 Microcar
Chassis no. 594286


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

*Lovely example of the ultimate micro-car
*Beautifully presented in blue and white paint
*Factory Sunroof
*A collectible that provides a unique driving experience



THE BMW ISETTA

The iconic Isetta or 'bubble car' was produced by BMW of Germany under license from Iso SpA, the Italian car manufacturer from 1954 through 1962. Initially the Isetta was based on the Iso Motto 200 motorcycle, and featured a three-wheel configuration, prone to toppling over. It was soon redesigned to include a fourth wheel for stability and the Iso 300 was born. Renzo Rivolta of Iso licensed the design to several countries and when in 1954, the car won awards in the legendary Mille Miglia for its extreme fuel economy, Germany's BMW recognized the diminutive car's massive potential and after a significant redesign, began production. At that time the Isetta, or 'Little Iso', was receiving a lukewarm reception in Italy due to stringent competition from the Fiat 500 and 600, but under the purview of BMW, it became wildly popular leading to 162,000 being built as the best-selling single cylinder car worldwide.

The ultra-efficient and truly small automobile (90 inches long, 53 inches high and 54 inches wide) has the charm of a cartoon character with the front door, which is double hinged on the driver's side, accessing a fish-bowl like interior that accommodates two on a bench seat. It is powered by 298cc four-stroke single cylinder motorcycle engine producing 13 horsepower, that can propel the 700lb microcar from 0-60 in 28 seconds and achieve 55 mpg. In Germany one only required a motorcycle license to drive the car.


THE CAR OFFERED

This example of the BMW Isetta was completed in Germany on July 1st, 1958. It features the desirable roll-top sunroof, with fixed side windows, plus sliding glass panels for air ventilation. The later models also included a very useful luggage rack on the rear deck, as storage space in the cockpit is somewhat limited. It appears that this Isetta has undergone a restoration at some point and today it wears lovely blue paint on the lower half of the body with white on the upper. It has the iconic mini chrome bumper and bug-eye headlights with a single central windshield wiper and BMW crest on its facia.

Aside from being a great collectible as a special piece of BMW micro-car history, this smart little Isetta offers the unforgettable experience of driving at its top speed of 50mph with sunroof open, and then parking in a space intended for a motorcycle.

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

  • 13 August 2025, 09:00 - 18:00 PDT
  • 14 August 2025, 09:00 - 18:00 PDT
  • 15 August 2025, 08:30 - 11:00 PDT

Bid now on these items

1933 Velocette 349cc KTT MkIV
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1933 Velocette 349cc KTT MkIV

£14,000 - £18,000
1949 Vincent 998cc Series-C Rapide
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1949 Vincent 998cc Series-C Rapide

£16,000 - £20,000
2011 Bugatti Type 52 by Authentic Models
Denmark

2011 Bugatti Type 52 by Authentic Models

DKK100,000 - DKK150,000
1989 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9
Denmark

1989 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9

DKK120,000 - DKK180,000