Driver Source
24 (Large)
1957 BMW Isetta 300 Coupé
Chassis No. 501611
Conceived in Italy by Renzo Rivolta's Isothermos company, the Isetta found little acceptance in Italy but was received enthusiastically in Germany where a craze for micro-cars swept through the country in the mid-50's.
BMW, struggling at the time to make money seized upon Iso's Isetta, introducing it in 1955 and enjoying substantial success both in its home market and in exports. It was an exceptional example of getting maximum function into a minimum of space, a streamlined ovoid that quickly earned the nickname "das rollende Ei", the rolling egg, in Germany.
The compact two-seat body's most notable feature was the ingenious entry, through the front of the Isetta where the hinged steering column swung open and out of the way with the door. The compact 298cc single cylinder air cooled overhead valve engine was derived from, but not shared with, BMW's motorcycles. 13hp and 14 lb-ft torque were delivered through a 4-speed gearbox with chain drive to the live rear axle with its two closely-spaced wheels. Leading arms with coil springs controlled the independent front suspension.
Import into the U.S. began in 1958 through Max Hoffman's New York dealership and production would continue with some modifications (and a single rear wheel for markets where 3-wheelers were taxed at lower motorcycle rates) through 1962. Total production of the BMW-Isetta 300 totaled 87,416 and, while they were as inexpensive as their size indicated, the volume was crucial for BMW's survival and development into the major manufacturer it is today.
This very handsome, always fun-to-drive, Isetta Coupé presents quite well for having an older restoration. Finished in a desirable blue and white two-tone exterior, this U.S. export model is equipped with a classic folding sunroof, sliding side windows, and rear luggage rack. All mechanicals are in fantastic condition as well; the car tracks and drives wonderfully! With a recent explosion in popularity, the Isetta is the must have economical weekend cruiser, guaranteed to draw smiles and compliments everywhere it goes!
* Gorgeous example of the increasingly desirable Isetta!
* An always fun-to-drive European classic!
* Beautiful older restoration! Desirable colors!
Offered with NO RESERVE - please only serious bidders.
For more information, contact: sales@driversource.com
Visit our website for more information:
We buy all classic European and American sport cars! Finder’s fees paid!!
24 (Large)
1957 BMW Isetta 300 Coupé
Chassis No. 501611
Conceived in Italy by Renzo Rivolta's Isothermos company, the Isetta found little acceptance in Italy but was received enthusiastically in Germany where a craze for micro-cars swept through the country in the mid-50's.
BMW, struggling at the time to make money seized upon Iso's Isetta, introducing it in 1955 and enjoying substantial success both in its home market and in exports. It was an exceptional example of getting maximum function into a minimum of space, a streamlined ovoid that quickly earned the nickname "das rollende Ei", the rolling egg, in Germany.
The compact two-seat body's most notable feature was the ingenious entry, through the front of the Isetta where the hinged steering column swung open and out of the way with the door. The compact 298cc single cylinder air cooled overhead valve engine was derived from, but not shared with, BMW's motorcycles. 13hp and 14 lb-ft torque were delivered through a 4-speed gearbox with chain drive to the live rear axle with its two closely-spaced wheels. Leading arms with coil springs controlled the independent front suspension.
Import into the U.S. began in 1958 through Max Hoffman's New York dealership and production would continue with some modifications (and a single rear wheel for markets where 3-wheelers were taxed at lower motorcycle rates) through 1962. Total production of the BMW-Isetta 300 totaled 87,416 and, while they were as inexpensive as their size indicated, the volume was crucial for BMW's survival and development into the major manufacturer it is today.
This very handsome, always fun-to-drive, Isetta Coupé presents quite well for having an older restoration. Finished in a desirable blue and white two-tone exterior, this U.S. export model is equipped with a classic folding sunroof, sliding side windows, and rear luggage rack. All mechanicals are in fantastic condition as well; the car tracks and drives wonderfully! With a recent explosion in popularity, the Isetta is the must have economical weekend cruiser, guaranteed to draw smiles and compliments everywhere it goes!
* Gorgeous example of the increasingly desirable Isetta!
* An always fun-to-drive European classic!
* Beautiful older restoration! Desirable colors!
Offered with NO RESERVE - please only serious bidders.
For more information, contact: sales@driversource.com
Visit our website for more information:
We buy all classic European and American sport cars! Finder’s fees paid!!