1959 BMW Isetta 300 Cabriolet "Tropenlüftung"

298cc OHV Single Cylinder Petrol Engine
Single Carburetor
13bhp at 5,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

* Exceptionally rare US-Specification Isetta 300 Cabriolet, featuring tropical vent (Tropenlüftung) door
* Presented in its factory-correct Weißgold (Cream) paintwork with brown interior
* Sympathetically restored example, carefully preserved and maintained
* Limited-production cabriolet with tropical venting—approximately 80 known survivors worldwide
* Documented cabriolet trim; rarest iteration of the model


THE ISETTA 300 CABRIOLET

Few automobiles embody postwar ingenuity, charm, and pure efficiency quite like the BMW Isetta. Conceived in the crucible of 1950s Europe, where economy, minimalism, and resourcefulness reigned, the Isetta swiftly became a symbol of personal mobility for the masses. Originally born as an Italian design by Iso SpA, the "bubble car" was soon acquired and ingeniously re-engineered by BMW. The resulting vehicle—utterly distinctive in appearance with its single front-hinged door and endearing, egg-shaped silhouette—would propel the Bavarian marque into new spheres of international relevance and resonance.

Launched in 1955, the BMW Isetta was offered with a compact, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine derived from the firm's renowned motorcycle division. At its heart, the 298cc powerplant delivered an engaging, if modest, 13 horsepower, sufficient to carry two passengers and their belongings gracefully through crowded cityscapes. The Isetta's mechanical simplicity belied its technical sophistication. Features such as independent front suspension, hydraulic drum brakes, and efficient packaging maximized comfort and safety within the confines of its svelte shell.

As production evolved, BMW offered an array of model variants, culminating in the 300 series—widely recognized as the definitive and most potent iteration. For the select few, the exclusive Cabriolet configuration added open-air exuberance to the Isetta's celebrated urban practicality. These rare models were further distinguishable by thoughtful regional enhancements, notably the "Tropenlüftung" or tropical ventilation door. Developed for export to warmer climates, this clever vented feature ensured that occupants could enjoy temperate comfort in even the sunniest environs.

Despite its modest proportions, the Isetta soon garnered cult status for its design, economy, and driving joy. Few European vehicles have left so indelible a mark on popular perception; collectors today value genuine, period-correct examples above all, especially those with unique specifications and true-to-era finishes.

Of particular allure in today's era of collector enthusiasm are the convertible variants—in both practical rarity and emotive visual appeal. Given the extremely limited production of the factory Cabriolet with tropical vented door, as offered here, such vehicles stand as crown jewels within the already rarefied microcar segment.

BMW's success with the Isetta fundamentally transformed the marque's fortunes, helping to secure the company's financial stability during lean postwar years. It also provided a platform for future innovation and engineering prowess—a through-line evident today in the storied legacy of Bayerische Motoren Werke.

For the connoisseur of design, the Isetta's place is secure: it is universally praised for its lightness, its courage, and its instantly recognizable figure—no other microcar boasts such a harmonious synthesis of function and whimsy.

In the ever-competitive sphere of historic microcars, originality and documentation are paramount. The best examples, such as this masterpiece in original colors and correct specification, stand poised to capture attention at global concours events, marque gatherings, and enthusiast rallies alike.


THE CAR OFFERED

Presented here is a superbly restored, EU-Specification 1959 BMW Isetta 300 Cabriolet, chassis number 501977. Exemplifying one of the rarest and most alluring permutations in the Isetta story, this special cabriolet is believed to be one of approximately 80 known survivors of the drophead body style.

Delivered new to the United States, this particular Isetta made a subsequent journey to Canada under previous ownership. The subject of a sympathetic restoration completed circa 2010, this Isetta was refinished in Weißgold (Cream)—an elegant and factory-correct choice that enhances the car's diminutive curves with warmth and authenticity. Photographic evidence and owner testimony confirm that at this time, the underside and frame were sandblasted and repainted, the chrome fixtures replated, and the body subtly enhanced. The folding black canvas top, unique to the cabriolet, was replaced, restoring the car's ability to blend open-air driving with microcar exuberance.

The "Tropical" vented front door further distinguishes this example, a rare accoutrement reserved for select Isetta builds, offering both visual interest and enhanced cabin ventilation—especially desirable for sunny day motoring. Additional exterior features include Isetta 300 badging, a rear luggage rack, chrome bumpers with nerf bars, original sliding side windows, and period-correct 10-inch steel wheels fitted with polished covers and BFGoodrich whitewall tires. Further efforts in 2023 saw the installation of genuine Hella headlights and a new driver-side mirror, underscoring a commitment to both safety and period accuracy.

The Isetta underwent significant recent mechanical work in 2023, including the engine, gearbox, brakes, and suspension.

The interior presents beautifully, trimmed in brown vinyl as part of the restoration, with the bench seat, parcel shelf, and rubber floor covering appearing exemplary throughout. A crisp cream-painted steering wheel frames the signature reverse-sweep speedometer, while the four-speed manual shifter is conveniently placed. The odometer reads 36,000 miles, with approximately 400 miles added in the current stewardship.

This rare cabriolet is undoubtedly one of the finest extant, offering the next custodian not only a prize of microcar engineering but also a vehicle of exceptional provenance and charm.

Offered with photographic documentation of the engine refurbishment, and a wealth of restoration detail, this Isetta 300 Cabriolet is a pure distillation of postwar automotive ingenuity and design. Rarer than its fixed-head siblings, and beautifully presented, it awaits a new owner eager to embrace the open road—and perhaps, the very spirit of the microcar movement.