In 1950's Germany, BMW was looking to get the German population into cars. Due to certain laws at the time, if a car was small enough, a motorcycle license could be used to drive a car. So in 1955 BMW released their own version of Iso SpA's Isetta onto the market with big success. BMW used the styling of the Italian design, but completely re-engineered the car to BMW specifications. This included a much more reliable BMW motorcycle…
In 1950’s Germany, BMW was looking to get the German population into cars. Due to certain laws at the time, if a car was small enough, a motorcycle license could be used to drive a car. So in 1955 BMW released their own version of Iso SpA’s Isetta onto the market with big success. BMW used the styling of the Italian design, but completely re-engineered the car to BMW specifications. This included a much more reliable BMW motorcycle engine capable of 53mph. In 1956 BMW released a new version of the Isetta: The Isetta 300. This new trim level retained the “bubble roof” body style, but bumped up power with a 298cc motorcycle engine. This engine had an improved 13hp and 14lb/ft of torque. This helped solve the cars issues on climbing hills while still retaining its ability to be driven with a motorcycle license.
This 1956 BMW Isetta is one of those 300s. Nicknamed the “bubble roof Z”, this car has the 298cc engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. This microcar also has the desirable “bubble roof” and is coated in a yellow/black paint scheme. This car is in possession of its current owner for over 26 years and was well maintained during that time. The owner recently had the car serviced with a tune-up and a brake rebuild. It is also described to run and drive very well by its owner and is in excellent condition. A registration is included in the sale.
*The following ratings were provided by the consignor, based on a scale of ‘Poor’, ‘Fair’, ‘Good’, ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’. (Excellent = 100% restored)