Highlights
- Dry stored
- Full no-expense-spared restoration just completed
- Mechanically sound and well-running vehicle
- Unmistakably quirky vehicle
The Appeal
The egg-shaped Isetta caused a sensation when it was introduced in 1953 by the Italian motor company ISO. At the time, it was not like anything else on the road. To this day, we still feel that this holds true, there really isn’t anything else like the Isetta. The totally strange and outlandish design gained such a following that a number of other manufacturers licensed the vehicle to be built all around the world, the most famous being BMW in Germany.
BMW, the way that it is, improved upon the original design in an almost overkill fashion. It’s said that BMW had so much of a redesign of the Isetta that almost none of the original ISO parts are interchangeable with its German-made counterpart.
The Isetta is a car like no other, and it has a sense of wholesome fun and quirkiness that quickly rubs off on its passengers and admirers. You’d honestly have a difficult time keeping a frown on while you’re driving.
The History and Paperwork
- Recent no-expense-spared off-chassis restoration completed
- MOT exempt, current MOT passed, no advisories
- Restoration parts invoices present
While this Isetta does not have a service history, it has been fully restored from the bottom up. The current owner has employed an ex-garage owner to perform the off-chassis restoration to a very high standard. After the restoration was completed, the owner then took it to a second mechanic for a second opinion inspection.
Parts were sourced through a combination of the Bromley Bubble Company, a highly reputable source in the Bubble Car world, and other dealers, such as Moto-Klassik.
The Interior
- Black and brown patterned interior matches the age and styling of the vehicle
- Overall immaculate condition
- Owner states all electronics functioning correctly
The Isetta’s interior is just about as simplistic as it gets. You open the door from the front of the car, the steering wheel moves out of your way, and you clamber onto the springy bench seat in front of you. There’s not really any storage space, other than a parcel shelf located in the rear of the car above the engine compartment. That being said, you’re not taking anything with you in the bubble anyways, you’re just here for a good time getting from A to B.
Once you’ve sat down, you’ll quickly notice there’s nothing in front of you to distract from the enjoyment of driving. You’ve got your speedometer/odometer in front of you, your gear shifter, a handbrake, indicator switch, and that’s it. A little flourish of wood on the steering wheel provides a real touch of luxury in the driver’s seat.
While this may not sound like a particularly elegant interior, there is an elegance in the simplicity of the design, and the mechanical nature of performing the actions required to keep the vehicle in motion. We would describe this as a contraption like no other.
The seats, trim, levers, rubbers, and everything inside are in great shape, most bits having been restored. There are some small paint chips and signs of use about you, see photos, but it really only adds to the character of the car itself, and in no way detracts from the overall experience of driving.
The Exterior
- Excellent condition paintwork and brightwork
- BMW Buttermilk colour perfectly suits the vehicle style and shape
- Convertible top in excellent condition
- Brand new tyres have never been used
The vehicle’s exterior is in top condition as well. The vehicle has been repainted and the brightwork either replaced or rechromed where necessary. Paintwork is all in order, other than a small crack in the rear passenger’s arch, noted in the photos. The windows are clear, but there are some scratches noted, and marks where the glass is showing its age a bit more than the rest of the car. These bits mentioned do not at all detract from the overall beauty of this Isetta.
The convertible top is in good condition, with some age-related marks, but no tears or holes evident. The car also comes with a fitted cover to keep the dust off.
The wheels are in great visual condition, with no signs of damage or wear whatsoever. All three tires have plenty of tread and are ready to roll.
The Mechanics
- MOT exempt, but passed with no advisories
- 300cc engine with choke runs perfectly
- 4-speed transmission shifts as it should
- Owner states it has been checked over by multiple mechanics
The engine bay shows very little signs of any aging. It has been cared for over the years, and with the restoration, is said to be in a ready and reliable state. The design of the vehicle allows for high visibility of the undercarriage, engine, and drivetrain. From every angle, the car looks almost brand new, as it has had a full off-chassis restoration.
Suspension, steering, and pickup are all as good or better than to be expected for a car of this age and design. The car runs straight and does not wander. The transmission and clutch work as they should. While it is an undeniably quirky car to drive, it is in top order.
The car in itself is not what we would describe as a “performance vehicle”, that being said it still has plenty of pickup with its 300cc one-cylinder engine. The vehicle is so light that it really doesn’t need much. The top speed is around 50mph, and it takes a while to get there. But that leaves you to enjoy the vehicle for longer, doesn’t it? It’s a perfect car for getting around the city in serious style, and at an economical fuel consumption rate that will continue to make you smile.
The roof comes down quickly and with hardly any effort, meaning that it can be used as often as desired without any hassle. The convertible top and side windows are the primary forms of ventilation for the passengers, and they are simple and easy to use.
Summary
As a piece of history, this little Bubble Car is an excellent example of the curious minds creating cars in the late ‘50s. Is it the best city car ever made? Probably not, but it is easily one of the most interesting and fun to drive, especially being 60+ years old. A real head turner, it is inevitable that you’ll crack a smile as you see the puzzled looks and excitement as you pass people by. There is just so much character and personality to a car like this that it is truly something you can’t experience in other cars. With the full off-chassis restoration, it’s up and ready to nip around town, and be used as often as you’d like, which we have a feeling will be every chance you get.
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.
