1959 BMW Isetta 600 Coupe

The original BMW Isetta, with seating for two individuals, was stretched to house four occupants, creating the Isetta 600 Series in 1959. It derived its name from the BMW R67 motorcycle-sourced boxer engine. It retained the prior Isetta's front-end design and front suspension but gained a new perimeter frame and the first-ever usage of semi-trailing arm suspension on a BMW motorcar. A right-hand side door added to the usability and the second row of seats double the vehicle's passenger capacity.

Approximately 35,000 examples of the BMW Isetta 600 were built before the more conventional-looking 700 replaced it in late 1959.

This particular example is finished in two-tone ivory over cream livery, with color-coded wheels and chromed bumpers. At some point, it received a thorough restoration. It is a European model which means it has the (arguably) more attractive bumper configuration. The 582cc overhead valve flat 2-cylinder engine breathes through twin carburetors and helps produce 26 horsepower. There are a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drum brakes.

This Isetta 600 spent time in the famed Bruce Wiener Microcar Museum. It has since been in long-term East Coast ownership where it has been serviced and well maintained.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2020