Description
For sale is a 1957 BMW Isetta 300 cabriolet.
This car is unrestored having spent its life in dry storage since the early 60's. It has covered only 8415 miles from new. As most micro enthusiasts will know the Cabriolet is the much rarer variant of this model. Very few were built.
A car can be original only once. This car has no rot and received no structural welding. Bring your magnet! There are no stories underneath. Even the battery box is untouched. The body has never been off the chassis. The utilitarian interior is the original as assembled in 1957 as is all the running gear. Matching numbers obviously. The glass is crisp and clear. The interior has the perfect amount of minimal patina. I resisted refinishing any of the steel work/ controls inside as everything has mellowed in unison. It was all just cleaned up.
As you would expect the engine/ box/ suspension is A1. When I located the car it still had everything original right down to the silencer. The paint was not really acceptable. So to do the car justice I took the difficult decision to have the car repainted. The car was refinished in its original colour of "Hellblau" at a not inconsiderable cost. The interior/ underside/ engine bay paint remain in their factory finish.
Obviously I went through the car replacing all perishable/ safety items such as the braking system/ engine mounts/ external body seals/ gear change linkage bushes etc etc.
The engine really is superb and runs absolutely spot on. No smoke and plenty of grunt. It starts first turn of the key and idles like a sewing machine. The gearbox is equally excellent with so few miles. The ride is very nice indeed. Leagues better than a Messerschmitt. It still has its factory dampers.
Clearly this car should not be confused with the usual high mileage no provenance over restored example that has been welded up within an inch of its life with a non standard interior. Perhaps this is the only unrestored cabrio left? How many 1950's cars have not been heavily got at? I’d say pretty much nil. The cabin is a lovely place to be. It’s almost a time machine. The pics speak for themselves..
Clearly this is an investment grade machine and comes with 2 sets of keys and some additional paperwork. The V5C is in my name.
I prefer the look of the car sans its cow horn front bumpers so left them off. They come with the car and can be fitted if required.
I could possibly be interested in a P/ X although I have too many cars leading to this regretful sale. Beware, this car is not for shrinking violets. As soon as you park up you immediately make new friends! Such is the allure of an Isetta!
Car can be viewed in London Z1/ 2 outside of office hours. I have a secure well lit underground car park for any inspection plus a drive. I can assist with exporting the car if required. No problem getting it to a shipping agency in the S/ E.
