Lot 232 - 1959 BMW Isetta 300
| Lot Number | 232 |
| Registration | G467 FRE |
| Chassis Number | A318939 |
| Engine Number | 318939 |
| Odometer reading | 42,000 miles |
| Estimate | £15,000 - £19,000 |
- Fully restored
- UK righthand drive car
- Photographic file of restoration
The Isetta is an Italian-designed microcar built under licence in a number of different countries including Germany and the United Kingdom. Produced in the post war years, at a time when cheap, short distance transportation was most needed, it became one of the most successful and influential city cars ever created. Because of its egg shape and bubble-like windows, it became known as a 'bubble car', a name then later given to other similar vehicles. The Isetta was, in 1955, the world's first mass-produced car and was the top-selling single-cylinder car in the world with a total of 161,728 units sold. BMW made the Isetta its own, redesigning most of the car so much so that none of the parts between a BMW Isetta Moto Coupé and an IsoIsetta could be interchangeable. While it retained the 'Bubble Window' styling, the BMW version differed from the Italian model in that the headlamps were fixed separately to the sides of the bodywork and it carried the BMW badge below the windscreen.
This delightful righthand drive, three-wheel bubble car has been subject to a full cosmetic and mechanical restoration. A 1959 Brighton-built example, this car has been used for promoting the vendors business and he spared no expense in its restoration. The 298cc engine and running gear were fully refurbished and the body repaired and repainted by a professional bodyshop with the interior being re-trimmed in an attractive grey and white. The vendor describes the car as having an excellent engine, bodywork, paintwork and interior trim. Supplied with a V5C registration document together with a current MoT test certificate and bills from the restoration in the history file, the Isetta is a cult car that is no doubt king of the bubble cars.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.