1956 BMW Isetta Coupe

The Isetta was developed in Italy by Industrialist Renzo Rivolta's Iso SpA. It was later license-built by BMW in West Germany, with development including adaptation of the Bavarian manufacturer's four-stroke engines led by Eberhard Wolff.

BMW launched the Isetta in 155 and its timing was perfect as it offered an affordable means of transportation along with achieving 50 mpg, an appealing alternative in the wake of the Suez Crisis.

The Model 250 entered production in early 1955 with a 247cc BMW single-cylinder four-stroke engine. It later evolved into the Isetta 300 with 298cc power for 1956.

This particular example is finished in period-correct light blue with a blue interior. The car was completely restored in the early 2000s before being acquired by the current caretaker.

This is a matching numbers, early 'Bubble Window' Isetta 300 powered by a 298cc air-cooled overhead valve single-cylinder engine. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2014