The BMW Isetta is the world's most popular microcar. Renzo Rivolta sold his Isetta microcar, plans, tools, and equity to Bayerische Motoren Werke, of Munich, in 1954.
Coupe
Chassis #: 511136
View info and history
Auction entries : 1The BMW Company was founded on aero engines and later produced motorcycles before moving into sports cars prior to World War II. After the War, the factory was in ruins and cash was short. Their range of large, bulbous cars failed to ignite the interest of the public. Short on options, management decided to take a gamble on something completely different - the Isetta microcar. BMW redesigned the drivetrain to use its 247 cubic centimeter, four-cylinder motorcycle engine. The gearbox output was coupled to a shaft through a rubber universal joint, which led to the chaincase. Inside were double drive chains that rested in oil and attached to the solid rear axle. This setup made the power unit much quieter and reduced vibration. After the re-engineering, the setup was completely new with no earlier Iso parts used. The front suspension was also reconfigured to a swing-arm arrangement. Modifications to the body included raising the headlights above the fenders so that they attached directly to the body. In October of 1956, the side windows changed from the fixed 'bubble' type to sliding panes.In 1956, the engine displacement was increased to 297 cubic centimeters and compression was raised, boosting power to 13 horsepower. There was an increase in torque, but the top speed remained the same, at 85 km/h.
Coupe
Chassis #: 500153
View info and history
Auction entries : 2Through 1962, more than 161,000 examples of the Isetta were produced. They provided BMW with a steady source of income, particularly in 1956 and 1957, when the Suez Crisis interrupted oil supplies to Europe. During the eight years that the Isetta remained in production, more than 160,000 examples were built, not counting Isetta production that continued in France, Belgium, Spain, and Brazil.
by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2020
Coupe
Chassis #: 511136
View info and history
Auction entries : 1
Coupe
Chassis #: 500153
View info and history
Auction entries : 2
by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2020
Related Reading : BMW Isetta History
At a time when cheap, short-distance transportation was preferred by consumers, BMW introduced the Isetta in November of 1953 at Turin. One of the most successful microcars that were produced in the post-WWII years, the egg-shaped Isettas design originated in Italy. The Isetta received the nickname bubble car because of its bubble-like windows and its egg shape. Other nicknames for the Isetta were....
Continue Reading >>
Continue Reading >>
Similar Automakers
Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 1957
1957 BMW Isetta Vehicle Profiles
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Price Comparison
$8,990
Isetta 300 Specification Comparison by Year
Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
Related Automotive News
The Ultimate Driving Museum Celebrates the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad with the BMW Motorcycles: A Century of Innovation exhibit
Runs from May 2023 till January 2024.
Fifty-seven rare and significant vehicles on display.
Located in Greer, SC.
The Ultimate Driving Museum of the BMW CCA Foundation in Greer, SC celebrates the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad with an eight mo...
HIT THE BEACH OR CRUISE INTO SUMMER WITH SPECIAL CARS OFFERED AT RM SOTHEBY'S ONLINE SAND LOTS SALE
RM Sothebys online auction now open for bidding through to 1 June
Beach-ready lots just in time for summer
Curated selection of watches and handbags to be offered alongside the vehicles
Kicking off a series of online auctions host...
Rare, Fast, Exotic And Eccentric Two-Strokes Headline The Amelia'S 2021 Motorcycle Class
Jacksonville, FL - The 26th annual Amelia Island Concours dElegance will present an eclectic and often ignored class of rare classic and special interest motorcycles on May 23, 2021.
The two-stroke motorcycle engine has a foot in two worlds....
Handle With Fun – RM Sotheby's Gearing Up For Its Most Whimsical Online Only Auction Yet
ONLINE ONLY, TIME-BASED AUCTION TO FEATURE AN ASSORTMENT OF RARE AND VINTAGE COLLECTIBLES ALONGSIDE A CURATED SELECTION OF CARS
LARGELY OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
OPEN FOR BIDDING 5 MAY AND CLOSING 12-13 MAY
RM Sothebys is set to offer the...
BMW CONCEPT NINETY
Cernobbio. 90 years of BMW Motorrad, 90 years of two-wheeled history – hardly another motorcycle manufacturer can boast such a longstanding and successful heritage as BMW. The BMW R 90 S likewise has cause to celebrate the BMW Motorrad design icon turns...