1959 BMW Isetta 600

Sold for $38,500 at 2012 Gooding and Company - The Scottsdale Auction.
The BMW Isetta microcar was a popular car, but it was deemed too small to compete with the Volkswagen Beetle. So, in 1957, BMW introduced a large, four-seater version called the 600. It used the Isetta's front structure and unusual single front-opening door. It was named after its 19 horsepower, 58cc BMW twin-cylinder 'boxer' motorcycle. It introduced a new semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension design that BMW models would use for the next four decades.

This BMW 600 is a United States-market model that has been restored to factory-correct specifications. It is finished in BMW color Azure Blue and has a blue checkered cloth with white trim.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The car was estimated to sell for $45,000 - $55,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $38,500 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2012