Eclectic Cars

• our vehicles
• Lancia Delta Integrale 16v
• 3.2 Cabriolet Supersport
• Triumph GT6 Convertible
• TVR Vixen
• TVR V8 S
• BMW 2002tii
• Jaguar XJS Convertible
• BMW E30 M3 Convertible
• Fiat 850 Spider
• Triumph TR6
• Morris Mini Mk1
• Fiat X1/9 Bertone
• Jaguar XJC Coupe
• Renault Alpine GTA
• BMW Isetta 300
• Land Rover Series III
• Citroen D Super
• Porsche 356B T5
• Porsche 968 Clubsport
• Ariel Atom 2
• Sold to Richard
• Sold to John
• Sold to Barry
• Sold to Ruth

Standard Equipment

Chamonix White with Tartan Cloth and Black Vinyl Seat.  Black Carpet, Black Vinyl Sunroof. 4 Speed Gearbox, Sliding Front Windows, 

Additional Equipment

 Nothing to write in this box!

Model history

After the World War II, many people did not have the money to afford large automobiles and instead used scooters and motorcycles to get around. Renzo Rivolta, founder of Iso in Milan, Italy, entered the market with a line of scooters, motorcycles, and three wheeled trucks. After some success with these vehicles, he decided to move into the automobile business.

Designed and developed during 1952-1953, Iso presented the first Isetta (literally, little Iso) at the 1953 Turin Motor Show. The car had a single door at the front, rear wheels that were only 19 inches apart, and gas mileage of over 50 miles per gallon. The two-cylinder twingle, two-stroke, 236 cc engine allowed a top speed of 45 mph and could propell the Isetta to 30 mph in 36 seconds. Iso entered seven Isettas into the famed Mille Miglia race of 1954. Five of the Isettas finished the course with the lead car maintaining an average speed of 45 mph.

BMW scouts had seen the Isetta at the 1954 Geneva and Turin car shows and almost undoubtedly witnessed the impressive showing of the little car at the Mille Miglia. At the time, BMW was producing the 502 and the 507: Cars that few Germans could afford to buy in the post-war economy and were on the lookout for an inexpensive car to expand the range

Iso licensed the car to BMW in October 1954.   Although the major elements of the Italian design remained intact, BMW re-engineered much of the car, so much so that none of the parts between a BMW Isetta Moto Coupe and an Iso Isetta interchange. The first BMW Isetta appeared in April 1955. BMW introduced the restyled Isetta Moto Coupe DeLuxe (sliding-window Isetta) in October 1956 with the larger 298 cc motor for export. Over a hundred thousand of the the little cars sold in Germany. Legend has it that BMW would not be here today if not for the success of the little Isetta.

Under license from BMW, Isetta of Great Britain also began producing cars (the sliding-window variety) at Brighton in 1957 with selected British parts. The Isetta was initially not popular in Great Britain until a three-wheeled version was introduced. The three-wheeled version was taxed at a much lower rate than the four-wheeled version. Isetta of Great Britain continued to produce four-wheeled Isettas, but only for export to Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. BMW began exporting Isettas to the United States in 1957. However, the car did not sell well among large Chevys and Fords. Overall, the Isetta was successful enough to encourage BMW to produce the 600, which shared the Isetta’s front door and a motorcycle engine (two cylinders, 600 cc) and the more car-like 700 (also powered by a motorcycle engine). Due to competition from faster and more car-like mini-cars (specifically the BMC Mini), BMW stopped production of the Isetta in 1962. Isetta of Great Britain also stopped production of the little cars but continued to produce Isetta engines until 1964.

Thanks to BMW, the Isetta was the most successful of the bubble cars. BMW built 136,367 Isettas. Isetta of Britain produced about 30,000 cars. Romi-Isetta manufactured about 3,000 of which an estimated 200 remain. Velam produced about 5,000 cars. Iso itself only made about 1,000 Isettas.

Exterior

Finished in Chamonix White the structure and paint of this BMW Isetta is in great condition.  There is no structural rust, or bubbling on the bodywork and it is free from major dents and scratches.  All the window surrounds, chrome finish and bull bars are in great condition, although at the time of the photographs, we were still waiting for a couple of finishing bits of trim including a chrome finished petrol cap and a new front door handle, however I am sure you can tell from the photographs that the car is in exceptional condition.

Wheels Tyres and Brakes

Fitted with a correct set of steel wheels, painted silver with chrome hub caps.  These are fitted with a set of brand new tyres.  The brakes have all been cleaned up and overhauled and work as well as they ever did!  Actually with the light weight of the car the engine braking does most of your every day slowing down and you only really use the brake for emergency manoeuvres!

Engine and Transmission

As you can see from the photo's the engine bay is in fantastic cosmetic condition and this extends to the working parts too!  To start the Isetta simply turn on the fuel with the switch behind the seat and crank the engine over without throttle until the fuel reaches the engine and it simply springs into life.  You then need to let the engine run, again without throttle until the idle picks up which takes about 45 seconds.  From then you are ready to go!  The gear change is a bit of a mastered art, but within an hour or so you find changing up and down the box easy.  Both are in great condition and should not require major work for a long time.

Interior and Equipment

 We have given the interior a little bit of a refresh, as the seats were worn and the headlining and carpet in a bit of a mess.  The headlining, vinyl sunroof, carpet and seat covers are all new items made to original specification.  The electrical equipment, such as it is and speedometer work correctly. She is a great little car.

Road Test

Well, you don't buy one of these to go quickly, but having said that it does feel jolly fast to drive!  Like most of these Micro Cars long distances can be accomplished, there is even an annual rally that people drive in from the UK to Italy, but most of us will just enjoy pottering around the local town or lanes.  The 300cc engine is surprisingly willing, but you must keep it on the boil as there is little torque low down.  These are charming and great fun little cars.

History File

According to the Isetta owners club this is a UK built BMW Isetta which was produced in February/March 1960 at the Brighton factory.  She was bought in 1999 as a restoration project by the last owner and over a 4 year period, completely rebuilt and repainted in Chamonix White.  In the thick history file there are all the receipts for the parts that went into the build as well as a hand written log giving a breakdown and total cost of the build.

Included in the history file  there are MOTs present from 1994 to the current day, confirming the mileage from restoration and many Isetta articles and memorabilia from the last 20 years of being involved with the Owners Club.

Since joining the Eclectic Car fleet, the Isetta has had a thorough check over and minor re-commission by Vibration Free. This includes having a new MOT, the engine serviced and set up, as well as many little cosmetic pieces replaced including interior trim (carpet set, seat, sunroof) front door handle, headlamp glasses, black and white number plates, chrome filler cap.  She now presents in very good condition and is ready to find a new home.

Along with the car there is a purpose built trailer on an A frame chassis so the car can be towed.