Descripción
This car is Lot 112 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Quail Auction on Friday August 15, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Wednesday August 13 from 09:00 until 18:00, Thursday 14 August from 09:00 until 18:00, and Friday 15 August from 08:30 onwards, at The Quail Lodge.
Lot 112
1958 BMW Isetta 300 Microcar
Registration no.
Chassis no. 594286
298cc Single Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
13bhp at 5, 800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
Swing-Arm Front Suspension, Leaf-Spring Rear Suspension
* Lovely example of the ultimate micro-car
* Beautifully presented in blue and white paint
* Factory Sunroof
* A collectible that provides a unique driving experience
THE BMW ISETTA
The iconic Isetta or 'bubble car' was produced by BMW of Germany under license from Iso SpA, the Italian car manufacturer from 1954 through 1962. Initially the Isetta was based on the Iso Motto 200 motorcycle, and featured a three-wheel configuration, prone to toppling over. It was soon redesigned to include a fourth wheel for stability and the Iso 300 was born. Renzo Rivolta of Iso licensed the design to several countries and when in 1954, the car won awards in the legendary Mille Miglia for its extreme fuel economy, Germany's BMW recognized the diminutive car's massive potential and after a significant redesign, began production. At that time the Isetta, or 'Little Iso', was receiving a lukewarm reception in Italy due to stringent competition from the Fiat 500 and 600, but under the purview of BMW, it became wildly popular leading to 162, 000 being built as the best-selling single cylinder car worldwide.
The ultra-efficient and truly small automobile (90 inches long, 53 inches high and 54 inches wide) has the charm of a cartoon character with the front door, which is double hinged on the driver's side, accessing a fish-bowl like interior that accommodates two on a bench seat. It is powered by 298cc four-stroke single cylinder motorcycle engine producing 13 horsepower, that can propel the 700lb microcar from 0-60 in 28 seconds and achieve 55 mpg. In Germany one only required a motorcycle license to drive the car.
THE CAR OFFERED
This example of the BMW Isetta was completed in Germany on July 1st, 1958. It features the desirable roll-top sunroof, with fixed side windows, plus sliding glass panels for air ventilation. The later models also included a very useful luggage rack on the rear deck, as storage space in the cockpit is somewhat limited. It appears that this Isetta has undergone a restoration at some point and today it wears lovely blue paint on the lower half of the body with white on the upper. It has the iconic mini chrome bumper and bug-eye headlights with a single central windshield wiper and BMW crest on its facia.
Aside from being a great collectible as a special piece of BMW micro-car history, this smart little Isetta offers the unforgettable experience of driving at its top speed of 50mph with sunroof open, and then parking in a space intended for a motorcycle.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
