Classic Car Overview
The BMW of today with its tech-laden super-sedans hybrid sports cars and ultra-luxury SUVs might not exist if not for an Italian refrigeration company named Isothermos. This unlikely connection began in 1942 when Isothermos was acquired by a young engineer and industrial heir Renzo Rivolta. Driven by a passion for motoring Rivolta expanded the companys portfolio to include motorbikes and renamed it Iso Autoveicoli S.p.A. After World War II as Europeans sought to return to the roads amid a scarcity of raw materials and fuel traditional cars were out of reach for many. While motorbikes and scooters gained popularity they proved impractical in adverse weather and for families. To bridge this gap several manufacturers began producing motorbike-powered microcars providing an affordable efficient and practical transportation solution for the masses.Seeking to capitalize on this emerging market Renzo Rivolta developed a two-passenger microcar featuring a single front clamshell door and a small motorbike engine mounted amidships. Introduced in 1953 the Iso Isetta Turismo epitomized the charming bubble car. Adorable and highly efficient it could transport two passengers and a few groceries though its performance was modest with just 236 cc and 9.5 horsepower. Despite its limited speed it proved quite successful in the domestic market with 20000 units produced at the Iso factory in Milan.Rivolta recognized a viable market for the Isetta but he lacked the manufacturing capacity to meet Europe-wide demand. Rivoltas stroke of genius came in 1954 when he sold the rights to the design to a number of different manufacturers in Europe and South America. Among those firms was BMW who was struggling through the post-war recovery. Most of their factories were devastated by bombing and their Eisenach works fell within Russian-controlled East Germany. BMWs post-war product line consisted mainly of expensive six and eight-cylinder luxury cars that while capable had limited appeal in the post-war economy. Lacking the time and resources to develop a small car the Isetta was the perfect opportunity to support the bottom line. They made some modifications including adapting the design to accept a 250 cc four-stroke engine shared with the R25/3 motorcycle and implementing minor styling changes. In 1956 BMW bumped the capacity to 298 c.c. which gave the new Isetta 300 nearly one-and-a-half times the power output over the 250. With a storming 13 horsepower on tap not even hills could stop BMWs mighty-mouse!Our featured 1957 Isetta 300 is a superb example fully restored and presented in excellent condition. Finished in period-correct Cortina Grey paint the restoration has been carried out to extremely high standards. The single front-mounted door fits properly and the body panels are straight and clean. Every Isetta features a large folding fabric sunroof that also serves as an emergency exit should the front clamshell door become blocked. The roof has been restored with correct black vinyl material and the fit is neat and tidy. The sliding side windows and windscreen are all in excellent condition with the chrome trim showing only mild signs of age but still overall very well presented. The tubular bumpers which protect the delicate body have been beautifully restored with excellent chrome plating. It rides on proper 4.80 x 10 whitewall tires fitted to nicely painted steel wheels dressed with original BMW hubcaps. The interior has been immaculately restored using period-correct materials with the bench seat and door pockets beautifully crafted in red basketweave upholstery. While the Isetta offers little in terms of luxury-being only a few steps removed from a motorcycle-it more than compensates with its abundant charm.The single-cylinder BMW motorbike engine runs extremely well. Access is straightforward thanks to a removable side panel and the engine is clean and well-presented with proper finishes and fittings. The suspension and driveline are in similarly good condition and the car exhibits excellent road manners. With just 13 horsepower on tap every drive in an Isetta is an adventure making it nearly impossible not to smile while operating the 4-speed gearbox and listening to the characteristic buzz of the single-cylinder engine.The Isetta is a significant vehicle in BMWs illustrious history. It kept the company afloat during a difficult period and it spawned the two-cylinder 700 series which is credited with saving BMW from a last-minute sale to Mercedes-Benz. The tiny car carried a bit of weight on its shoulders. Overflowing with charm and character this Isetta is one of the most iconic of the bubble cars. The stunning restoration makes this car an essential addition to virtually any diverse collection. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7756-1957-bmw-isetta/
