Some people use the word “quirky” to describe a classic, basically meaning the car has strange styling and no real redeeming qualities. I consider this 1958 BMW Isetta 300 quirky, but that’s because it offered an ingenious, affordable solution for private transport for the masses. This Isetta is exceptionally tidy, has only 19,000 miles, and is ready to go as soon as someone hands over the cash. Barn Finder Tony P. deserves a tip of the hat for spotting this beauty listed here on Craigslist in Marco Island, Florida, for $42,000.
It is hard to comprehend the physical and financial impact that World War II had on many European countries. Some cities were bombed almost back to the Stone Age, and materials that had previously been plentiful were in short supply. Many nations struggled to produce enough food for their populations, and some manufacturing industries took years to regain a firm financial footing. Against this backdrop, governments acknowledged that part of the key to financial stimulus was getting the population mobile, but how could they do so when money was tight, materials scarce, and fuel often rationed? The answer was surprisingly simple: it encouraged vehicle manufacturers to produce small, fuel-efficient passenger cars at bargain-basement prices. The result was cars like the Messerschmitt KR200 and the Iso Isetta. Iso released the Isetta in 1953, and BMW began building its own licensed version in 1955. The German manufacturer didn’t merely build carbon copies of the original; it massively reengineered its version, so virtually no parts were interchangeable between the BMW and Iso models. This Isetta left the company’s factory in 1958, and looks a treat in dazzling Red. The seller emphasizes “well preserved” in the listing, suggesting this little beauty might be a genuine survivor. If so, its condition is astounding, with no obvious cosmetic defects. The paint shines impressively, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and its garage-kept history makes its rust-free status unsurprising. The trim looks excellent, and the glass is clear.
The listing includes no engine images, but the Isetta features a 298cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine producing a dizzying 13hp and 14 ft/lbs of torque. Power feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, with the company quoting a top speed of 50mph. If the seller’s odometer reading of 19,400 miles is genuine, it must have spent significant time on the move to cover that distance! However, the Isetta’s ace in the hole is its fuel economy, easily topping 50mpg under normal use. In an era when fuel supplies were limited, these cars were the perfect solution for giving people mobility. The seller states that this little classic starts, runs, and drives perfectly. Therefore, potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition.
The Isetta’s interior represents motoring at its most basic. Opening its single front-mounted door reveals a bench seat that will accommodate two adults and a child. It has a large parcel tray, which the company marketed as a viable spot for another small child, and I can’t see any safety issues with that! The wheel, dash, and some minor controls swing out with the door, giving the driver better access. Interestingly, BMW faced criticism for how difficult it was to get out of the Isetta after even a minor frontal impact, and quickly pointed out that the sunroof could serve as an effective emergency exit! What is surprising about the Isetta is that while interior trim is readily available, restoring an interior can be extremely expensive. However, the buyer faces no such challenges, because this car is extremely clean. The seat cover isn’t worn or damaged, the paint is excellent, and the carpet is spotless.
I believe that some readers will look at this 1958 BMW Isetta 300 and be astounded by the asking price. That is understandable, because it definitely isn’t cheap. However, the Isetta has a cult following in the classic world, and the seller’s asking price aligns with recent successful sales and information from organizations like Hagerty. The seller’s encouragement of in-person inspections suggests confidence that it matches what they describe in the listing. It isn’t the ideal candidate for enthusiasts with a large family, and it wouldn’t be the ideal weapon for cross-country adventures. It doesn’t have the cachet of traditional muscle or pony cars, but I guarantee it will draw crowds at any Cars & Coffee. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you?
Flippo the clown!
Flippo, the Columbus icon!
I searched for years for that particular Isetta.
On a similar theme, I recall Steve Urkel driving something like this.
Always loved these little cars and would love to have it. But $42,000 is out of the question.
Is this what Ralph Nader got his driver’s license in?
$42 K ? Is that a joke ? the car sure is !
Really good write up. I would add the original Isetta had a rubber mat and no carpet. Also the 19,000 miles isn’t particularly low, I have one with 14k. They’re okay for tooling around town, certainly not for the freeway. Always an attention grabber. Looks like a nice car!
It’s a cult car.
At this price, you have to be going to their enclaves and drinking their Kool-aid. As a bonus, you’ll probably win the big trophy with this one. Woo hoo!
I saw these sometimes in Germany when I lived there in 1973, as well as the Messerschmitt mentioned in the writeup. Pretty historic little rides.
My dad’s friend Bob owned one of these in the early 60s. Bob was 6’2″ and 300+lbs. It was a trip watching him exit and enter…
My girlfriend Serena in San Francisco had one; it handled the steep inclines very well, rode nicely and was reliable. Now, driving it northbound to Santa Rosa was a different kettle if fish getting passed by every massive semi with trailer got very tiresome.
I like this stupid little car, but not at $42,000.00 clams – way too much. Actually, I love it, but still, not for that money.
Drop a 7.3 Power Stroke in this, no problem! It will only double the weight of the car and will need to be on a trailer to be any kind of feasible to run it, but I see nothing wrong with the idea! ;)
Sonething loveable about this miniature econo-car at such a price! It isn’t practical for the road — you could get killed in it — but it might be right for a car museum someplace.
Do the Urkel, do the urk urk urk urk urkel. Do it, do it, do the Urkel, do the Urkel dance? Remember the dolls, 1990 anyone? Cars like this are either driven by Urkel or Cousin It.
Popular culture of 1990, I know nothing about; but culture in 1954, I would know and remember. I sed to see the Isetta on rhe roads; however, I would think one would be a death-trap in an accident!
“Are those thoughts enough to tempt you?” Not me… not even if the price were reduced by 75% or more. Unless, perhaps I had some knucklehead giving me a bunch of cash to find one for him. Generally, the prospect of rear ending another vehicle doesn’t look too promising. But this one also has that railing (package retainer?) directly behind the occupants’ heads. If someone were to rear end this contraption, the orthopedic surgeon will be able to pay for his kid’s college. Now… I would consider the early BMW 700.
In an accident, this car converts from automobile to casket.
Or… if you want a more modern casket, you might be able to order the Microlino. Much less expensive too.
This belongs in a museum and not on the road. Does the term, “death trap”, work?
Compared to a Vespa, Bicycle or a one wheel board, they are a bank vault.
I’m taking a class on JFK and The New Frontier. Last week the instructor told us these used to be used to get people across the border. The driver would put a blanket on their lap and somebody would get under the blanket crosswise. Of course, he also said they had a lawnmower engine and were only 3 wheels. I can find that someone built a little compartment in the back and took people to West Berlin like that.
The local pharmacy delivered prescriptions in one of these, and at age 5, it was as if the aliens had arrived.
“Iso” is short for “Isothermal,” an Italian maker of refrigeration products before WWII, which began making motorcycles after the war, and then created this microcar, which was a huge success initially. “Isetta” is a dimiuative of the refrigerator company, and I wonder if the front mounted door exchanged with any of their fridge?
When the Fiat 500 came out, sales dropped, and BMW, then an economic basket case, bought the rights. This “ultimate parking” machine saved the German company.
The Rivolta family, which owned the company, took BMW’s money and launched a series of gorgeous Italian luxury GTs……mostly powered by Italian -built small block Chevrolet V-8s, called the Iso Rivolta, Iso Griffo, Iso Lele, and Iso Fidea