Auction has finished
Auction failed because there were no bids| November 15, 2017 12:00 am | Auction started | ||
Description
Model History
The Isetta was incubated in the post-war economy of Europe. After the war, many people did not have the money to afford large automobiles and instead moved about on scooters and motorcycles. Renzo Rivolta, who made Iso S.p.A. refrigeradors in Milan, Italy, entered the market at this time with a line of scooters, motorcycles, and three wheeled trucks. After some success with these vehicles, he decided to move into the automobile business.
Designed and developed during 1952-1953, Iso presented the first Isetta (literally, little Iso) at the 1953 Turin Motor Show. The Iso Isetta was only 4.5 ft wide and 7.5 ft long. The car had a single door at the front, rear wheels that were only 19 in. apart, and gas mileage of over 50 miles per gallon. The two-cylinder, two-stroke engine allowed a top speed of 45 mph and could propell the Isetta to 30 mph in 36 seconds. Iso began production in Italy and in Belgium for domestic sales and limited export.
Iso entered four or five Isettas into the storied Mille Miglia (1,000 mile) race of 1954. The Isetta finished 1, 2 and 3 on the index of performance. BMW scouts witnessed the impressive showing of the little car. At the time, BMW was producing the 502 and the 507: cars that few Germans could afford to buy in the post-war economy. Therefore, the company was on the lookout for an inexpensive economy car, and the Isetta fit the bill. Iso licensed the car to BMW in 1955.
Car History
Today we are featuring this 1956 BMW Isetta Euro spec “bubble window”. This one is complete with matching-numbers, a four-stroke single and a 4-speed manual transmission with reverse. It is a documented 3 owner car from Germany with the last ownership since 1982, who was also a member of the Isetta Club in Germany.
It is equipped with a radio and luggage rack. The car has been in a private collection until recently. The fuel tank was recently refreshed and a new fuel line installed. The carburetor was rebuilt with a new float, needle, and gaskets. The car reportedly starts, runs, and drives well.
This Isetta is being sold with a clean Florida title.
Market Value
The Isetta market is both interesting and difficult to precisely nail down. There are many examples that float into the US without the proper paperwork for titling and registering. Examples range from needing much TLC in the high-teens to full restoration examples exceeding $40,000, with average examples just below $30,000. This is a great example of a survivor in very good original condition, being sold from an experienced Isetta seller.
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