speed_staff's avatar
Author:
SPEED Staff
Login For More
Rate this article:
  • 0/5 Stars
  • Related Photos
SPEEDtv.com Store
Grand National:America's Golden Age of Motorcycle Racing, by Joe Scalzo
Joe Scalzo’s book captures the spirit of the Golden Age of motorcycle racing.
Our Price: $39.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Man-Made Thunder
The book examines the sport of stock car racing through the eyes and ears of the men behind the wheel and the wrenches.
Our Price: $49.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
Unisex Sandwich Cap
Unisex Velcro back hat with SPEED logo on front. PINKS logo embroidered on left and PAO logo on right. One size fits all.
Our Price: $24.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Speedway T-shirt
Men's 6 oz. 100% Cotton Jersey Short Sleeve Tee. SPEED logo imprinted on the front center chest.
Our Price: $24.99
Visit Button
Buy Button
Ferrari Red Classic Hat
100% cotton twill. Ferrari shield embroidered on front, piping on the peak and Ferrari logo embroidered on back strap adjuster.
Our Price: $30.00 ($27.00 Member)
Visit Button
Buy Button
Footer Bg
  • Zoom More Photos Button
  • Camera Icon
101 Cars: BMW Isetta
Written by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com   
06/01/2008
Charlotte, North Carolina
 
If you think a Smart is compact, just try an Isetta. (Photo: InfoCoaches.com) ยป More Photos

What are often referred to as "microcars" or "bubble cars" enjoyed huge success, particularly in Europe, from about 1955 through the mid-1960s. Money was tight, fuel was expensive, and parking was sparse, so a car barely bigger than a side-by-side refrigerator made sense. Italy's Iso - of later Iso Rivolta/Grifo fame, and a refrigerator maker, by the way - developed the Isetta in 1952-1953. Iso built them for a while, then licensed the design to BMW. From 1955 to 1962, the Isetta served as the foundation of the latter company's existence. There were three-wheeled and much-more-common four-wheeled versions of the Isetta, but it was hard to tell the difference: on the four-wheelers, the rears were just 10 inches apart. The classic Isetta 300 has but one door...which also served as the front body panel. The steering wheel swings out of the way for entry. The tiny, purring four-stroke motor is a redesigned BMW motorcycle engine, and the view out from the passenger compartment conveys what life in a fishbowl must be like. Acceleration is a relative term. If you think a Smart is compact, just try an Isetta.

Specifications
Engine: 0.3-liter one-cylinder (Isetta 300)
Horsepower: 13
0–60 mph: How 'bout 0-30? Good. It takes 36 seconds.
Top Speed: 63 miles per hour
Price New: $1,093
Value Now: $10,000 clean driver, $20,000 show-quality restoration
BMW Isetta Photos




Claim to Fame

BMW build and sold more than 130,000 Isettas, which kept the company in business until the 1600 and 2002 came along.


Soundtrack

"Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley, because in addition to his rare, expensive BMW 507 sports car, The King owned an Isetta.


Perfect Passenger

Someone you get along with very, very well, as the Isetta is only 54 inches wide.


Behind the Wheel
There are a gazillion sites dedicated to the Isetta, and lots of them are for sale. Most fun website for more info is the British club site at isetta-owners-club-gb.com


Did You Know?
Iso also licensed the Isetta design for production in Brazil and France.


The Perfect Drive
There could be no better car for circumnavigating your way through crowded Rome. Besides, it was an Italian design anyway.



Read the REVIEW and Get Your Copy of 365 Cars You Must Drive

Check out the 101 Cars Countdown!

Catch 101 Cars You Must Drive on SPEED! Monday nights at 9:00pm ET/6:00pm PT.

With current fuel prices, the Isetta may be poised for a comeback! What are your thoughts? Read the STORY!

View All Comments