1961 BMW Isetta 300
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Highlights
- Excellent condition
- Previously restored
- Great mechanical order
- Rare opportunity
The Appeal
The Isetta is easily one of the most iconic vehicles ever produced. Originally designed in Italy, the microcar was produced under license in numerous countries, with BMW of course covering Germany’s input. Although most of the original Italian-designed components remained the same, BMW truly made the Isetta their own, utilizing a 247cc BMW one-cylinder four-stroke motorcycle engine.
In response to legislation changes in 1956, the Isetta was now eligible to take advantage of its now 300cc tax class. As a result, BMW enlarged the one-cylinder powerplant to 298cc to make the most of the new changes, hence the name “Isetta 300”.
Despite the bubble car being licensed within multiple countries, it was BMW’s German creation that became responsible for the vehicle’s popularity. The BMW Isetta became the world’s top-selling single-cylinder car, with just over 160 thousand units sold. Nowadays, these bubble cars do of course have a keen following, with enthusiasts around the globe on the search for tidy examples. This particular example is in excellent mechanical order, benefits from a previous restoration, and would make the perfect addition to a collection.
The History and Paperwork
- Previously restored
- V5C document present
- Well cared for example
- Garage stored
With glimpses of red peeking through and with the sheer age of this vehicle, it is safe to assume that the vehicle has indeed been restored and resprayed in the past. In addition to being restored cosmetically, there is also included paperwork that details a near-complete overhaul of all mechanical components, including the engine and brakes. As a result, the vehicle is in superb mechanical condition, with paperwork to support.
Also included with the vehicle’s paperwork is a previous MOT certificate, and the V5C document ready to sign over to the lucky new owner.
Also included with the vehicle’s paperwork is a previous MOT certificate, and the V5C document ready to sign over to the lucky new owner.
The Interior
- Excellent condition
- Labeled instruments
- Sunroof
- Some original components
The Isetta is hardly BMW’s most luxurious vehicle, boasting quite a minimal interior fit for just 2 passengers. That being said, it’s perhaps more spacious than you would first expect and was no doubt a practical solution for motorists back in the day.
With the vehicle now being over sixty years old, it is quite unlikely that the interior shows more than a few original components, having likely been restored in the past. As a result, the cabin is in great condition, with few signs of wear notable throughout. As a welcome addition, the interior also features labeled controls to assist with the driving experience.
With the vehicle now being over sixty years old, it is quite unlikely that the interior shows more than a few original components, having likely been restored in the past. As a result, the cabin is in great condition, with few signs of wear notable throughout. As a welcome addition, the interior also features labeled controls to assist with the driving experience.
Although this Isetta doesn’t boast enough interior space to haul much more than a crate of beer, the overall enjoyment of tootling around in this little bubble car far outweighs any practicality complaints.
The Exterior
- Resprayed exterior
- Gorgeous two-tone finish
- Sunroof
- Excellent condition
- Iconic bubble car appearance
With very few vehicles coming close to emulating the bubble car’s aesthetics, it is no wonder the Isetta continues to gain popularity with its quirky looks. Despite being commonplace back in its day, the Isetta is seldom seen outside of private collections & museums and continues to turn heads wherever it goes.
As this vehicle has no doubt been restored in the past, the exterior now sports a retro inspired two-tone paint job, with a beautiful rich blue finish stealing the show. The paintwork is in superb condition, showing only the most minor of visual defects noticeable only upon close inspection.
Exterior trim components follow suit, with the majority of which likely being refurbished or new components. The roof folds back without fault but is beginning to show minor signs of age towards the edges. Fortunately with the Isetta being such a small vehicle, to begin with, touching up any defects to achieve a perfect finish will likely be a very cost-effective process.
Overall, this Isetta is easily one of the better-preserved examples, showing both excellent paintwork and great underside condition. If you’re looking for a weekend toy to enjoy or a beautiful example to add to your collection, this 300 certainly won’t disappoint.
The Mechanics
- 300cc single-cylinder engine
- Excellent mechanical condition
- Well maintained example with no expense spared
- Plenty of new components
- Requires nothing to be enjoyed
Rather fitting for the current times, the Isetta made waves with consumers due to its excellent fuel economy and frugal performance. The single-cylinder motorcycle engine certainly benefited from the increase to 300cc and was praised for being considerably capable.
Buyers will be pleased to know that this particular example fires up and performs without known fault, exactly as BMW would have intended. As included invoices document, the vehicle has been treated with dozens of new components, at considerable expense. New items include fuel lines, wheel cylinders, brake parts, an engine rebuild, and much more.
With no known mechanical or electrical issues to note, this Isetta presents a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the bubble car experience, exactly as intended back in 1961.
Buyers will be pleased to know that this particular example fires up and performs without known fault, exactly as BMW would have intended. As included invoices document, the vehicle has been treated with dozens of new components, at considerable expense. New items include fuel lines, wheel cylinders, brake parts, an engine rebuild, and much more.
With no known mechanical or electrical issues to note, this Isetta presents a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the bubble car experience, exactly as intended back in 1961.
Summary
This previously restored BMW Isetta 300 is in excellent condition both inside and out, boasting a range of new components and a simply gorgeous two-tone paint job. With no known mechanical or electrical faults, this would make a very quirky weekend toy, or the perfect addition to further preserve as part of a historical collection.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1961
- Make BMW
- Model Isetta 300
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 36,076 Miles
- Engine size 300
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Knutsford
- Location Cheshire
- Country United Kingdom
69
bids
- pa•••• £31,250 21/07/22
- Sm•••• £31,000 21/07/22
- pa•••• £30,750 21/07/22
- Sm•••• £30,500 21/07/22
- Sm•••• £30,250 21/07/22
- pa•••• £30,000 21/07/22
- Sm•••• £29,750 21/07/22
- pa•••• £29,500 21/07/22
- Sm•••• £29,250 21/07/22
- pa•••• £29,000 21/07/22
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