Beautifully restored bubble car right down to the tiny details
Has covered just 2 miles since the body-off restoration in 2017 and 2018
Chassis restored and resprayed as part of the refurbishment work
Nicely specified two-tone colour scheme with attractive tartan interior
Perfect to just buy and admire or a very distinctive motoring experience
Wonderful talking piece wherever you decide to go
Moto Coupe Deluxe model with sliding side windows
MOT and tax exempt
The Appeal
It is hard to describe this beautiful little car without using the word ‘cheeky’ yet it started life, like all BMW Isettas, as a cheap and practical city runabout. Later cars gained largely 300cc engines and stylish sliding side windows and this car is one of those post 1956 models.
It is in exceptional condition having covered just 2 miles since a body-off restoration in 2017 and 2018. It is so presentable that it could easily just be bought and enjoyed as a static object d’art. It has been restored to a high standard – even the pedal rubbers, dials and interior decals appear to have been refreshed – and finished in a very attractive two-tone colour combination with smart tartan interior. For lovers of quirky motor cars or bubble car enthusiasts, this delightful little car will surely draw crowds and deliver smiles however you choose to use it.
The History And Paperwork
First registered on 9th February 1959
2 keys
Extensive invoices form Bromley Bubble, well known Isetta parts supplier
Full body-off restoration in 2017 and 2018 to 'as new' condition
Matching numbers vehicle
6 owners from new
Last MOT expired on 22nd April 2021 and car has covered just two miles since however it is historically exempt
The Interior
Wonderful tartan interior in superb condition complements the exterior bodywork
Carefully detailed layout including new or refurbished dials and decals throughout
Space for two people who are on friendly terms
Cars like the Mini and Fiat 500 may have won plaudits for how they maximised space but it is the diminutive Isetta that really took city car driving back to basics. The lovely interior of this 1959 model demonstrates just how utilitarian it is and, over 60 years on, that simplicity and quirkiness is an intrinsic part of this car’s deep appeal.
The interior of this car has clearly been restored to a very high standard. The tartan vinyl trim is not factory original but definitely suits the car and adds to its appeal. It is in very good condition with no visible wear.
Elsewhere the paintwork is perfect and the smattering of decals appear to have been either replaced or refurbished, all to similarly high standard. The dials, such as they are, reflect the same attention to detail.
Pot 1956 Moto Coupe Deluxe models like this one replaced the fixed side windows with stylish sliding versions that on hot days likely improve comfort for occupants significantly.
The Exterior
Immaculate dark red metallic paintwork with white above
Body-off body and chassis restoration in 2017 and 2018 to concours standard and driven just 2 miles since
Period correct front nudge bars
10inch wheels with factory correct BMW chrome trims and new tyres
Underside is immaculate and carefully detailed
BMW may have licenced the design from Italy’s Isetta but in true BMW fashion they entirely re-engineered the car such that there are no interchangeable parts between the two versions. In just seven years over 160,000 BMW Isettas left the factory, a remarkable achievement for such a small car focussed on one city-driving role.
The dark red metallic paintwork of this car, with its contrasting white bodywork above, really sets off the style of this tiny car. It was built for a purpose yet has a beautiful style that is almost sculptural.
The bodywork has clearly been restored and repainted to a high standard and limited use has kept it in pristine condition. A careful examination of the photographs revealed no marks around the vehicle.
The miniscule 10inch wheels, with their BMW chrome trims, are also in good condition. The trims carry a very slight tarnish that would likely respond well to weekend polishing.
The underside displays a similar level of fastidiousness. The last MOT expired in April 2021 but the car has only covered 2 miles since and the vehicle is historically exempt from MOT testing.
The Mechanics
298cc single cylinder BMW motorcycle engine developing 12bhp
Stainless steel exhaust
4spd manual gearbox
Three wheel layout
Appears to have been comprehensively mechanically restored and then carefully detailed
The BMW engine at the heart of this little car came from the firm’s motorcycle division and is a single cylinder design developing a heady 12bhp. Later cars like this one got an enlarged 298cc output to ensure the car continued to comply with Germany’s Class IV driving requirements. The engine is mated to a 4spd manual gearbox. This is a matching numbers vehicle and it has covered just 2 miles since the comprehensive body and mechanical restoration during 2017 and 2018. All parts were provided by Bromley Bubble, marque specialists. It is factory standard except for the addition of a stainless steel exhaust.
The photographs suggest that this car has been comprehensively mechanically overhauled and it remains in a carefully detailed and highly presentable condition. At the time of writing we were unable to view the service or maintenance records.
Summary
The BMW Isetta proved a remarkable post-war hit in Germany, taking the city car concept right back to basics to put wheels beneath cash-strapped commuters. From those purely functional priorities it has evolved into an intrinsic part of motoring folklore, the petite bubble car that is as distinctive as a Rolls Royce.
This beautiful 1959 model has been sympathetically restored in a way that cleverly enhances its style and character. The two-tone bodywork is gorgeous and matched by the smart interior. It has all been detailed and completed to a very high standard and covered just 2 miles since the work was finished.
Whether you use it as a static talking point or to roll up and draw the crowds at car shows and petrol stations, this wonderful bubble car will surely reward any owner.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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