Lot 251 - 1960 BMW Isetta 300
| Lot Number | 251 |
| Registration | 910 KKM |
| Chassis Number | 324389 |
| Engine Number | 324389 |
| Result | Sold - £10,242 |
- In current ownership for 55 years
- Exciting unrestored project
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 Iso Isetta 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 particular example was assembled in the United Kingdom in 1960 and was purchased by our vendor in 1968, it was used regularly for the next 15 or so years, before being laid up in storage in the early 80’s, where it has stayed ever since. Our vendor was a part of the Isetta owners’ club for a number of years, being hugely enthusiastic about these groundbreaking city cars, he remarked that this car served him exceedingly well for a number of years, he always garaged it throughout his ownershp and comments that it was rather popular with the ladies too. The car has been stored for around 40 years, so will require restoration, but it appears to have been stored well and has held up very well indeed. The car is supplied with a large folder of old Isetta owners’ club correspondence, original parts lists, wiring diagram, 10th anniversary Isetta owners’ club owner’s manual, original buff logbook detailing previous owners, current V5C registration document and various other interesting pieces of history and spares. This example will prove to be a very exciting and rewarding project for someone and will be offered without reserve, so why not have a go?
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.