BMW Isetta For Sale

Isetta From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Iso Isetta Turismo The Isetta was one of the most successful microcars produced in the post-World War II years—a time when cheap, short-distance transportation was most needed. Although the project originated in Italy, it was built in a number of different countries, including Spain, Belgium, France, Brazil, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Because of its egg shape and bubble-like windows, it became known as a bubble car—a name later given to other similar vehicles, including the AMC Pacer. Contents 1 Iso Isetta (Italy) 2 VELAM Isetta (France) 3 Romi-Isetta (Brazil) 4 BMW Isetta (Germany) 4.1 BMW Isetta 250 4.2 BMW Isetta 300 4.3 BMW 600 5 BMW Isetta (United Kingdom) 6 Isetta replica kits 7 Motorrad Isetta (2010 - ) 8 See also 9 References 10 External links [edit] Iso Isetta (Italy) Iso Isetta The car’s origins were with the Italian firm of Iso SpA. In the early 1950s, the company was building refrigerators, motor scooters and small three-wheeled trucks. Iso's owner, Renzo Rivolta, decided he would like to build a small car for mass distribution. By 1952 the engineers Ermenegildo Preti and Pierluigi Raggi had designed a small car that used the scooter engine and named it Isetta—an Italian diminutive meaning little ISO. The Isetta caused a sensation when it was introduced to the motoring press in Turin in November 1953, it was unlike anything seen before. Small (only 2.29 m (7.5 ft) long by 1.37 m (4.5 ft) wide) and egg-shaped, with bubble-type windows, the entire front end of the car hinged outwards to allow entry; in the event of a crash, the driver and passenger were to exit through the canvas sunroof. The steering wheel and instrument panel swung out with the single door, as this made access to the single bench seat simpler. The seat provided reasonable comfort for two occupants, and perhaps a small child. Behind the seat was a large parcel shelf with a spare wheel located below. A heater was optional, and ventilation was provided by opening the fabric sunroof. Power came from a 236 cm3 (14.4 cu in), 7.1 kW (9.5 hp) two-cylinder two-stroke motorcycle engine. The engine was started by a combination generator-starter known as Dynastart. A manual gearbox provided four forward speeds and reverse. A chain drive connected the gearbox to a solid rear axle with a pair of closely-spaced 25 cm (10 in) rear wheels. The first prototypes had one wheel at the rear; this made the car prone to roll-overs, so they placed two rear wheels 48 cm (19 in) apart from each other. This narrow track eliminated the need for a differential. The front axle was a modified version of a Dubonnet independent front suspension. The Isetta took over 30 seconds to reach 50 km/h (31 mph) from rest. Top speed was only about 75 km/h (47 mph). The fuel tank held only 13 litres (3.5 gallons). However, the Isetta would get somewhere between 50 mpg-imp (5.6 L/100 km; 42 mpg-US) and 70 mpg-imp (4.0 L/100 km; 58 mpg-US) depending on how it was driven. Two models were offered — the little egg-shaped Turismo with narrow 50 cm (20 in) rear track, and the Autocarro, a commercial version with full-width rear axle. The Autocarro was offered in several body styles, a flatbed pickup, enclosed truck, a tilt-bed, or even a fire engine. The Autocarro was an extremely popular type of vehicle in Italy, and numerous manufacturers produced some variant of the type. Iso had previously produced a motorcycle-type Isocarro. The Iso Autocarro was larger than most, with its four-wheel layout, conventional rear axle with differential and leaf springs, and a large tubular frame. It was good for a 500 to 600 kg (1,100 to 1,300 lb) load. The name Isetta Autocarro was also used. In 1954, Iso entered several Isettas in the legendary Mille Miglia where they took the top three spots in the economy classification. Over a distance of 1,600 km (1,000 mi) the drivers achieved an average speed of over 70 km/h (43 mph). In view of its maximum speed, which was just 15 km/h (9 mph) higher, this was an almost incredible figure. However, despite its initial success, the Isetta was beginning to slip in popularity at home. This was mainly due to renewed competition from Fiat with its 500C model. Renzo Rivolta wanted to concentrate on his new Iso Rivolta sports car, and was extremely interested in doing licencing deals. Plants in Spain and Belgium were already assembling Isettas and Autocarros using Italian made Iso components. BMW began talking with Rivolta in mid-1954 and bought not just a licence but the complete Isetta body tooling as well. Rivolta did not stop with licencing the Isetta to BMW. He negotiated similar deals with companies in France and Brazil. After constructing some 1,000 units, production of the Italian built cars ceased in 1955, although Iso continued to build the Isetta in Spain until 1958. It is thought that some 4,000 Autocarros were built. [edit] VELAM Isetta (France) Velam Isetta in the Musée automobile de Vendée. In 1954, VELAM acquired a licence from Iso to manufacture a car based on the Isetta. Since Iso had sold the body making equipment to BMW, VELAM developed their own body but used the original Iso engine. The VELAM body was rounder and more egg-like than Iso's Isetta and was known by the French as the ‘yogurt pot’. Instead of a chassis like the Italian and German versions, there was a sub-frame bolted to the body at the rear, which held the rear tires, engine, and transmission. The front suspension was bolted to the front of the body. The front door was opened by push button instead of a handle, and the speedometer was mounted in the center of the steering wheel. VELAM started production of the car in 1955 at the old Talbot factory at Suresnes, France and the car was introduced at the 1955 Paris car show. All told, five versions of the car were built: the standard Isetta, a convertible version, a luxury version, a one-off "Sport" version, and a race car. Due to competition from the Renault Dauphine, production ceased in 1958. [edit] Romi-Isetta (Brazil) In 1955, Iso licenced the Isetta to Romi, a machine-tool manufacturer headquartered in the city of Santa Bárbara d'Oeste, in the State of São Paulo. The Isetta was chosen because it was considered an ideal vehicle for use in the cities by virtue of its size and economy. Released in September 5, 1956, it was the first car produced in Brazil. Some 3,000 of the Romi-Isettas were manufactured from 1956-1961. They kept the Iso design and used Iso engines until 1958; in 1959 they switched to the BMW 300 cc engines. Large numbers were exported to Argentina. 1955 BMW Isetta 250, BMW Museum, Munich, Germany. [edit] BMW Isetta (Germany) BMW made the Isetta its own. They redesigned the powerplant around a BMW one-cylinder, four-stroke, 247 cc motorcycle engine which generated 10 kW (13 hp). 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 are interchangeable. The first BMW Isetta appeared in April 1955. In May 1962, three years after launching the conventionally modern-looking BMW 700, BMW ceased production of Isettas. A total of 161,728 units had been built. [edit] BMW Isetta 250 2 tone coloured BMW Isetta 250 While it retained the "Bubble Window" styling, it differed from the Italian model in that its headlamps were fixed separately to the sides of the bodywork and it carried the BMW badge below the windscreen. The car was also redesigned to take a modified version of the 250 cc four-stroke engine from the BMW R25/3 motorcycle and the front suspension was changed. The single-cylinder generated 9 kW (12 hp) at 5800 rpm. The crankcase and cylinder were made of cast iron, the cylinder head of aluminium. However, the head was rotated by 180° compared with the motorcycle engine. The twin-bearing crankshaft was also different in the Isetta power unit, being larger and featuring reinforced bearings. One of the reasons for this was the heavy Dynastart unit which combined the dynamo and self-starter. The fuel mixture was provided by a Bing sliding throttle side draft motorcycle carburetor. In addition to further changes of detail, the BMW engineers enlarged the sump for installation in the car and cooled the engine by means of a radial fan and shrouded ducting. The power train from the four-speed gearbox to the two rear wheels was also unusual: fixed to the gearbox output drive was something called a Hardy disc, which was a cardan joint made of rubber. On the other side of it was a cardan shaft, and finally a second Hardy disc, which in turn was located at the entrance to a chain case. A duplex chain running in an oil bath led finally to a rigid shaft, at each end of which were the two rear wheels. Thanks to this elaborate power transfer, the engine-gearbox unit was both free of tension and well soundproofed in its linkage to the rear axle. In Germany, the Isetta could even be driven with a motorcycle license. The top speed of the Isetta 250 was rated as 85 km/h (53 mph). The first BMW Isetta rolled off the line in April 1955, and in the next eight months some 10,000 of the "bubblecars" were produced. [edit] BMW Isetta 300 BMW 300 (Isetta) Manufacturer BMW Also called BMW Isetta Production 1956-62 161,360 produced[1] Predecessor BMW 250 Successor BMW 600 Layout RR layout Engine(s) 298cc cc single cylinder 4-stroke (53 mph (85 km/h) top speed) Transmission(s) 4 speed manual In 1956, the government of the Federal Republic of Germany changed the regulations for motor vehicles. Class IV licences issued from that time onward could only be used to operate small motorcycles and could no longer be used to operate motor vehicles with a capacity of less than 250 cc. At the same time, the maximum capacity allowed for the Isetta's tax category was 300 cc. Class IV licences issued before the change in the regulations were grandfathered and allowed to be used as before.[citation needed] BMW Isetta 300 interior BMW Isetta 300 - Sliding Window 4 wheel LHD version This change in regulations encouraged BMW to revise their Isetta microcars. In October 1956, the Isetta Moto Coupe DeLuxe (sliding-window Isetta) was introduced. The bubble windows were replaced by longer, sliding side windows. The engineers had enlarged the single cylinder to a 72 mm (2.8 in) bore and 73 mm (2.9 in) stroke, which gave a displacement of exactly 298 cc; at the same time, they raised the compression ratio from 6.8 to 7.0:1. As a result, the engine power output rose to 10 kW (13 hp) at 5200 rpm, and the torque rose to 18.4 N·m (13.6 ft·lbf) at 4600 rpm. The maximum speed remained at 85 km/h (53 mph), yet there was a marked increase in flexibility, chiefly noticeable on gradients. [edit] BMW 600 Main article: BMW 600 BMW Isetta 600: the largest of the BMW Bubble Cars The BMW 600 was intended as an enlarged Isetta with more power and a more conventional four-wheel configuration. BMW Isetta 600, showing hinged steering wheel, next to 5'3" (160cm) boy The front end of the 600 was virtually unchanged from the Isetta, but the 600's wheelbase was stretched to accommodate four seats. A conventional rear axle was added. BMW introduced the semi-trailing arm independent suspension on the 600. This suspension would be used on almost every new model for the next four decades. Because of the increased size and weight, the 600 had a more powerful engine than the Isetta. The 600 had the 582 cc twin engine from the R67 motorcycle. Top speed was 103 km/h (64 mph). In two years, only 34,000 600s were produced, partly due to price competition with the entry-level VW Beetle. In the late 1950s, consumers wanted cars that looked like cars, and they had lost interest in economy models. Sales of the 600 were, however, aided by the energy crisis of 1956–1957. [edit] BMW Isetta (United Kingdom) British registered LHD 3 wheeled Isetta With space for two and their luggage, the Isetta was perfect for the UK's urban and rural roads. The first motorway, the M1, did not open until 1959, and more conventional cars such as early models of the Morris Minor could barely top 97 km/h (60 mph). At one point, the British national health service started providing these vehicles for wheelchair users so they could drive while in their wheelchairs. Although noble in intent and many of these cars were made available free, the project was not deemed successful and was terminated. In 1957, Isetta of Great Britain began producing Isetta 300 models at their factory in the former Brighton railway works under licence from BMW. The factory had no access by road, with components being delivered by rail, and finished cars being shipped out the same way. The British cars had right-hand drive with the door hinged from the right hand side of the car and the steering column moved across to the right as well. Right-hand drive meant that the driver AND the engine were on the same side, so a 27 kg (60 lb) counterweight was added to the left side to compensate. Dunlop tyres were used, and Lucas electrics replaced the German Hella and Bosch components, with a different headlamp housing being used. Girling brake components replaced the ATE brake parts. The Isetta was not popular in the UK until a three-wheeled version was introduced, and although three-wheelers were more prone to rolling-over, there was a financial advantage: if the reverse gear was not installed, they could evade automobile legislation and taxation by being classed as three-wheeled motorcycles, and could be driven with a motorcycle licence. Isetta of Great Britain continued to produce four-wheeled Isettas, but only for export to Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. In 1962, Isetta of Great Britain also stopped production of the little cars but continued to produce Isetta engines until 1964. [edit] Isetta replica kits The now defunct British firm Tri-Tech, under the model name "Zetta", sold a kit car or even an assembled complete BMW Isetta lookalike replica from modern parts, including Honda CN 250 cc single-cylinder water-cooled engines with automatic transmission (standard) or Kawasaki 500 GPS two-cylinder water-cooled motorcycle engines with optional manual transmission. Some parts, new or used, were from "donor" vehicles. Front suspension and steering were from (General Motors) Bedford (later sold under the Vauxhall name) "Rascal" or the original and almost identical Suzuki "Supercarry" light duty van or pick-up trucks. Drum brakes and wheels were from Morris and the subsequent British Leyland Motor Corporation "Mini". Prices ranged from c. £2650 for the kit up to c. £9450 for a complete version. It could be legally registered for use under British laws. Tri-Tech also supplied some body parts which can be used for running non-exact restorations of BMW Isettas. [edit] Motorrad Isetta (2010 - ) BMW Isetta Manufacturer BMW Motorrad Production 2010 - Class Scooter A new version [2] of the BMW Motorrad Isetta is likely to be introduced in 2010 sharing a platform with the Fiat Topolino. This new scooter is expected to achieve 100 mpg-imp (2.8 L/100 km; 83 mpg-US).[3] [edit] See also Heinkel Kabine List of microcars by country of origin [edit] References ^ "1957 BMW ISETTA (300)". Lane Motor Museum.  ^ "“i-Setta” – The next BMW brand". carthusiast.com. http://www.carthusiast.com/i-setta-the-next-bmw-brand-1809.html. Retrieved 2007-08-04.  ^ "The 100mpg fuel busters!". autoexpress.co.uk. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/225675/the_100mpg_fuel_busters.html. Retrieved 2008-08-02.  [edit] External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Isetta BMW Isetta Scale Models 1959 BMW Isetta / Hot Wheels WHATTADRAG Isetta Rebuild Services Isetta reborn Interactive panorama of the inside of an Isetta BMW Isetta photos and specs 8 British Microcar club that welcomes Isetta enthusiasts and owners v • d • e « previous — BMW road car timeline, 1950s-1980s — next » Type Series 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Microcar Isetta 250 / 300 Small family car 600 LS/700 Compact exec 3 Series 340/340-2* 1602/2002 E21 E30 Executive 5 Series 1500,1800,2000 E12 E28 E34 Luxury 7 Series 501/502 E3 E23 E32 Coupé 1600GT 6 Series 327* 503 3200 CS 2000CS E9 E24 Roadster Z Series 507 Z1 Sports car/GT M1, 8 Series E26 E31 *made in East Germany as EMW v • d • e « previous — BMW road car timeline, 1980s–present Type Series 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 Small family 3 Compact E36/5 E46/5 1 Series E81 / E82 / E87 / E88 F20 Compact exec 3 Series E21 E30 E36 E46 E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 Executive 5 Series E12 E28 E34 E39 E60 / E61 F10 / F11 Luxury Coupé 6 Series E24 E63 / E64 F12 / F13 Luxury 7 Series E23 E32 E38 E65 / E66 / E67 / E68 F01 / F02 / F03 / F04 Roadster Z Series E30 (Z1) E36/7 & E36/8 (Z3) E85 / E86 (Z4) E89 (Z4) M M3 E30 M3 E36 M3 E46 M3 E90/92/93 M3 M5 E28 M5 E34 M5 E39 M5 E60/61 M5 M6 E24 M635CSi/"M6" E63/64 M6 M Roadster E36/7 (Z3) M E85 (Z4) M M Coupé E36/8 M Coupé E86 M Coupé Supercar/GT E26 (M1) E31 (8 series) E52 (Z8) Sports Activity X1 E84 X3 E83 F25 X5 E53 E70 X6 E71 / E72 Progressive Activity 5 GT F07 || || "; text += ""; preview = window.open("", "preview", windowprops); preview.document.open(); preview.document.write(text); preview.document.close(); } // End --> MUSEUM INFO |CONTACT|EVENTS|VIDEOS!|SEARCH click to enlarge Tour Index 1957 BMW Isetta 250 The egg-shaped Isetta can be said to be the very best microcar of its time. Certainly it is the archetypal "bubble car", and is today recognized and loved worldwide. The car’s origins were in Milan, Italy at the scooter and refrigerator company of Iso SpA, run by Renzo Rivolta. Called Isetta, or "little Iso", the car was a startling, totally unconventional design that caused a furor at its introduction in Turin in November 1953. From this influential debut grew a number of licensed branches worldwide, the main one being BMW in Germany. It was seen by BMW as filling a gap between their motorcycle range and the luxury 501 models. The car was redesigned to take the 250cc 4-stroke engine from the R-25 motorcycle, and the front suspension was changed. The finished car was announced in April 1955 and went into production shortly after. The quirky little Motocoupe as it was called by BMW, became the dream of the workingman, and by November 1955, ten thousand had been built. In February 1956, came a 300cc motor. In September of that year the redesigned "sliding-window" model made its debut, looking altogether more harmonious. 22,543 examples of the "egg" rolled off the line in this, its biggest year ever. This particular car is an example of the classic German-spec export Isetta, featuring a two-tone in the factory colours of Azure and Bavarian blue. 1957 was the only year in which the colour division on the door had the vee-shape. Several accessories are included in the specification. Manufacturer: Bayerische Motoren Werke, Munich Germany Model: Isetta 250 Export Motor: BMW 4-stroke Body: Steel Years Built: April 1955 - March 1957 No. Cylinders: 1 Chassis: Steel Tube No. Produced: 26646 Displacement: 247 cc Suspension Front: Swing Arm No. Surviving: Horsepower: 12 Suspension Rear: Leaf Springs Length: 90" Gearbox: 4 + rev Steering: Worm Width: 54.5" Starter: Dynastart Brakes: Hydraulic Weight: 770 lbs Electrics: 12 v 4 Wheels: 4.80 x 10" Interior: Bench Ignition: Coil Top Speed: 52 mph © 2002 || a museum of automobile typography TYPE ARTICLES VEHICLES BLOG STORE CAR CHAT MAKE/MODEL YEAR CARS Classic Coupe Green Hatchback Not For US Restomod Sedans Supercars Topless Ugly Wagons My Toys TRUCKS Classic Green Pickup SUV Ugly CONCEPT CARS Cars Green Hatchback Oddball Ugly Wagons CONCEPT TRUCKS Green Pickup SUV Oddball Ugly www.flickr.com This is a Flickr badge showing public photos and videos from cartype.com. Make your own badge here. RSS FEEDS Subscribe to our web feeds: Articles Type, Articles, Vehicles Quick Links Quick Links (i.e. Blog) Car Chat Car Chat Interviews BMW Isetta 300 : 1958 160,000 cars built between 1955 and 1962. « Prev | 51 / 262 | Next » Filed under: Classic Comment(s): 23 MSRP Engine HP Manufactured $1,093 298cc, 18.61cc, v1 13.0 1955 - 1962 Switch to another model year: 1958 View all cars for: BMW Search for BMW Isetta 300 : 1958 on: For a company usually associated with performance engineering, the Isetta may come as something of a shock. A successful manufacturer of motorbikes and automobiles prior to WWII, BMW found itself in dire straits after hostilities had ceased. Of the five production facilities the company owned, four were lost behind the iron curtain, while the remaining factory, in Munich, had been bombed heavily. Punitive sanctions by the allies prevented the company from producing cars for a further three years, and it wasn't until 1951 that BMW released their first post-war motor, the 501. The 501, and its V8-powered successor, the 502, were fine cars, but at more than three times the average annual wage, they were not what the market wanted. From 1951 to 1964, fewer than 20,000 were sold. BMW was in danger of a buyout from arch-rivals Mercedes-Benz. By 1955, BMW badly needed a money-spinner. Meanwhile, in Italy, scooter manufacturer Iso were busily producing the Isetta (literally, "little Iso"). The Isetta was determinedly unconventional. Small and egg-shaped, the entire front end of the car hinged outwards to allow entry, and in the event of a crash, the driver and passenger were expected to escape through the canvas sunroof. With a pair of closely-spaced rear wheels driven by a tiny 9.5hp motorcycle engine, the Isetta took over 30 seconds to reach 30mph from rest - although in 1955, one managed to finish 267th out of 281 in the punishing Mille Miglia 1,000-mile endurance race. The peculiar bubble-shaped city car had only been a minor hit since its introduction in 1953, and its days were numbered. Iso wanted to concentrate on mainstream sports cars, and required funding for the forthcoming Rivolta sports coupe. Thus, Iso decided to sell the rights and machinery to produce the Isetta. Along with manufacturers in France and Brazil, BMW acquired a licence, and was to prove most successful in selling the car. Post-war rationing had been phased out by the time BMW launched the Isetta in 1955, but the European economy was considerably more austere than that of the USA, and the Isetta's 60mpg thirst went down well. BMW had upped the power to 13hp, shaving the 0-30 time to 11 seconds, and giving the car a top speed of 50mph, for the bravest of drivers. With space for two and their luggage, the Isetta was perfect for Britain's urban and rural roads. The first motorway, the M1, did not open until 1959, and more conventional cars such as the Morris Minor could barely top 60mph. The Suez Crisis of 1956 led to gasoline shortages, and for a time micro-cars looked to be the future. Heinkel-Trojan produced an Isetta-like machine with rear seats, while Messerschmitt's KR200 was perhaps the most extreme, looking more like a WWII fighter plane than a car. One factor hampering the Isetta in Great Britain was that it had four wheels, and was thus classified as a car, with all the tax and license requirements that implied. Although BMW was content with European sales, the British arm of Iso swiftly produced a three-wheel version which, like subsequent machines from Reliant, could be driven with a motorcycle license. BMW produced 160,000 of the machines until 1964, by which time the bubble-car craze was in decline. The introduction of the Mini in 1959 - a car expressly designed to sweep the bubble-cars from British roads - was the first blow, and, like the Austin A35 and Fiat 500, it was a proper car for little more than the cost of an Isetta. By the mid-1960s the age of austerity was over, and Europe was ready for medium-sized small cars, such as the Renault R16 and the new Ford Anglia. Nonetheless, BMW was happy. As far as BMW was concerned, the Isetta had performed admirably. The car had shored up the company's finances during the development of a new range which, with the launch of the 1500 in 1961, went on to secure the company's future. Although the Isetta was an unusual side-alley in BMW's development, without it, the company might well no longer exist today. Despite a production life of eight years, there were essentially only two different models of BMW Isetta - one with a 247cc engine, and a slightly more powerful version with a 297cc engine (the Isetta 250 and 300 respectively). Mechanically, the car was very reliable - the only weakness being rust, and a "disposable" image which means that examples are quite rare nowadays. Prices range from $3,000 for a very tatty example up to $15,000 or more for a pristine vehicle. Three-wheel British versions are more rare, but their value is offset by the fact that they're more prone to rolling-over than the four-wheeled examples. There was a rare cabriolet version and an even more rare truck. By the 1970s, the "supermini"-sized car, such as the Renault 5, meant that there was no real need or demand for a micro-car revival. Nonetheless, periodic recessions and fuel crises, coupled with a growing environmental movement, provided impetus for a few notable successors to the Isetta, many of which were "utility vehicles" such as the Mini-Moke. Apart from Reliant's Robin and Regal, the strikingly angular, bright orange 1972 Bond Bug was the most popular example, and although they are rarely seen today, Bugs are quite popular with collectors. During the 1980s, computer manufacturer Sinclair attempted to revolutionize the world with the battery-powered C5 - a cross between a small car and a bicycle - and failed, while Formula One team Ligier released a variety of box-shaped vehicles more suited for golf courses than the open road. By the 1990s, Japan had become a haven for the micro-car, or "K-car," with examples such as the Daihatsu Move, Mazda Demio and Suzuki Cappucino being exported to Europe, with only limited success. Nowadays, the most popular micro-car is the Isetta-esque MCC Smart. With seating for two and a rear-mounted engine, the Smart is larger than the Isetta, has four evenly-spaced wheels, and an electronic stability system. But the concept is much the same: urban transport for two people and a minimum of luggage, in style, and with great economy. Built in Germany. 160,000 cars built between 1955 and 1962. 4 wheels, but most people think it has only three (they did make some three-wheel versions, but they were much less reliable). One-cylinder BMW motorcycle engine (298cc, 18.61 cubic inch, 13 hp). 4-speed transmission. Top speed: 53 mph. 63 miles per gallon. 3.4 gallon gas tank, (no gas gauge, has a "reserve" tank when needed). Tire size: 10 inches (4 tires). 770 lbs empty; 1,200 lbs (maximum) with two passengers (they should be friends). 1958 sticker price was $1,093 (photos by Bob Nelson) RELATED ARTICLES BMW Abbreviation for "Bayrische Motorenwerke", German for "Bavarian Motor Factory". 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BMW Individual 7 Nieman Marcus Edition : 2009 Limited Edition for the 2008 Christmas Book. BMW Welt Celebrates its first anniversary. BMW reports worldwide sales increase for year to September Deliveries up 1.7% to 1.11 million automobiles. BMW October 2008 sales Down 5.0 percent in October. BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid : 2009 Debuts at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. BMW Earns Top Safety Pick Award For the 2009 BMW 3 Series Sedan, X5, and X3. BMW 501 : 1951 BMW Z4 : 2009 Debuts at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. BMW announces 2009 price adjustment. BMW 2008 December Sales A decrease of 35.9 percent. BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo : 2009 BMW 7 Series : 2009 BMW X6M : 2009 BMW X5M : 2009 BMW M3 Convertible : 2009 Most Powerful BMW M3 Ever Carries on Racing Tradition without a Top. BMW Isetta 250 Standard : 1955 LINKS BMW Official site. Isetta Source COMMENTS Sherman Potter708 days ago I saw one of these in Superior, Nebraska in poor condition. Don't know if it is still there but was last time I was in town. cric431 days ago I never seen such a car. Geo431 days ago Yes - that's a really nice car - nice sound ;-) . I have seen it sometimes here in germany, but it is very rare... Mitsh424 days ago Awesome. Fara419 days ago Its very unique indeed. i loved it, my father is also very found of antique cars. They are pretty hard to maintain because of spare parts. ken414 days ago This is for me also the first time I have ever seen such type of car. Unique I wonder whether this is weather friendly or not? Den406 days ago It must be a fortune for this vintage car.. which country is it manufactured from. Lynn382 days ago the car is funny but different from many other cars after being old model Lionel382 days ago i did not think that bmw has produced such car in past Lionel382 days ago today bmw has much value in the market. it has set a trend in cars Travers381 days ago i love all the cars made by bmw. they are excellent. Tyron381 days ago the name looks like a great car. Marline380 days ago BMW is well known for its engineering. its different from very other cars. Judi380 days ago my favorite brand car is bmw. i love it because of its engineering. Kraig380 days ago you have good history of all cars. keep posting interesting cars here. Sonny380 days ago to have fun this is a must tool Van380 days ago bmw isetta - name is fast but car is slow. SA380 days ago i never seen this model no where .but surprised to see here Byron380 days ago thanks for the sharing the very old car of bmw. Kris380 days ago bmw is setting new standards in auto mobile Mark380 days ago i am big fan of bmw. i would like to own every car made by bmw. Toby380 days ago i did not think BMW holds that much history in past. good to hear chris347 days ago BMW isseta-1958 model is so cool and cute! I really want to buy one. I liked the photos so much that I shown the pictures to my dad and said “I will buy such a car one day “! Thanks a lot for sharing detail information and pictures. POST A COMMENT Name URL Email Comment HTML tags allowed: <a> <em> <strong> <blockquote> Spambots begone ABOUT EDITORS CONTACT CARTYPE STORE BMW Car (Magazines) Advertise on Cartype New Car Dealers Performance Auto Parts Free Insurance Quotes LemonFree Cars for Sale Auto Insurance Quotes CARTYPE STORE NOTICE Much of the material on this website is copyrighted. Original articles appearing herein are subject to copyright. Please don't copy stuff from the site without asking; it may belong to someone! Any trademarks appearing on this site are the sole property of the registered owners. No endorsement by trademark owners is to be construed. The products, brand names, characters, related slogans and indicia are or may by claimed as trademarks of their respective owners. Every effort has been made whenever possible to credit the sources. The use of such material falls under the Fair Use provisions of intellectual property laws. 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