The Isetta may at first seem a strange car to see in our showroom. However, much as we love M cars, Alpina specials and the like, any Classic BMW is welcome. And, arguably, nothing is more Classic BMW than the Isetta. One of the most important models ever made by BMW, the Isetta pretty well saved the company from bankruptcy. In simple terms, no Isetta = no M3.
Made under license by many factories around Europe the Isetta started life as a car made by the Italian auto company, ISO. The name roughly translates as ‘little ISO’. Whilst the Italians kicked the whole thing off, it was BMW that really made the Isetta its own, ultimately tuning the motor (yes, really) and expanding the range. In 1955 BMW set the world record for fuel consumption in a mass-produced car, achieving 98 mpg. It also has the record for the world’s largest production run of single cylinder cars. In the UK, Isettas were made by Dunsfold Tools Ltd – soon to be renamed Isetta of Great Britain – under direct license from BMW in Munich. Cute as a baby rabbit, and a hoot to drive, the Isetta makes everyone smile.
A classic piece of automotive engineering, the Isetta was one of a host of ‘Bubble Cars’ that introduced cheap, easy motoring (they can be driven on a motorcycle license) to the wider public in post-war Europe. BMW held the While most of the Isetta’s contempories have been consigned to the history books, luckily for BMW it became the signpost to even greater things. With its quirky lay out, two-stroke, cheap-to-run motor and diminutive size, the Isetta is still a funky way to buzz around today’s busy streets. The condition of this little beauty is pretty good – the car is ready to drive home after a few hours in our workshop, correcting a few issues our technical team have spotted. You may need a little time to familiarise yourself with the controls, but once you’ve made yourself comfy, you’ll never look back!
A rare opportunity to own a genuine Legend, on three wheels. For more info contact our showroom team on 01825 740456 or sales@munichlegends.com
