Reader feedback from previous articles reveals that microcars like this 1957 BMW Isetta 300 are “take it or leave it” propositions. They appeal to a segment of the classic world, while others would prefer to walk than own one of these little buzz-boxes. However, the same is true for almost every segment of the classic world, with some people having no time for muscle cars, pony cars, or British sports cars. That diversity is part of what defines the classic scene. This Isetta runs and drives, but the seller suggests it needs fresh paint and some upholstery work. None of the tasks are urgent, meaning the new owner could enjoy this classic immediately while assembling all the items required to return it to showroom condition. The Isetta is listed here on Craigslist in Aurora, Colorado. They set their price at $35,000 OBO, ad I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting this German gem.

Microcars. People seem to love them or hate them, and there’s no middle ground. Anyone fond of vehicles loaded with luxury appointments or blessed with mountains of power and torque will generally view them with disdain. Regardless, they still enjoy a strong following in the classic community. This one is a tidy survivor, although the seller readily admits its Japan Red paint has seen better days. The car would undoubtedly present well with a fresh coat covering its panels, but that raises the question of how far a potential buyer may be prepared to go in this process. The best result would be entirely dismantling the vehicle, which is not difficult. That would also maximize the potential return on their investment, particularly if they tackled the work themselves. The Isetta has a reputation for floor rust, which is something requiring careful examination. If the floors and frame are sound, that is potentially good news. The photos suggest the trim and chrome are acceptable for a driver-grade restoration, with the luggage rack a practical inclusion for a vehicle with no trunk and limited interior space. The glass is in good order, as is the fabric sliding sunroof. We should probably class that last feature as a necessity rather than a luxury. Any frontal impact could jam the Isetta’s single door closed. That leaves occupants the choice of smashing the glass to escape or climbing through the sunroof. I know which I’d prefer.

Powering this BMW is a 298cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 13hp. It sends its power to the road via a four-speed manual transmission, and owners can expect a top speed of 50mph. When updating the original Iso configuration, outright performance was not BMW’s design brief. It focused on ease of operation and frugal fuel consumption in a market and economy dragging itself back to financial health following Word War II. Therefore, buyers can expect this classic to easily achieve 50mpg on modern fuels, although better figures are there if they don’t push the engine to its mechanical limits. This German gem runs and drives, leaving the new owner the choice to retain it as a survivor-grade vehicle if restoration proves unattractive. That brings us to a fascinating point about the Isetta and one of its design quirks. The car appeared in both left and right-hand-drive configurations, built in Britain by Dunsfold Tools Ltd. The company hinged the door on the opposite side but faced a situation where both the engine and driver were located on the vehicle’s right. This created a handling imbalance that was particularly unnerving and potentially dangerous when negotiating left-hand corners at speed. The answer devised was simple, but it wasn’t ideal. The company installed a 60lb counterweight on the Isetta’s left side, and while this improved the situation, it proved an unwanted burden on a car weighing 772lbs. It means unmodified RHD Isettas don’t offer the same performance potential as LHD versions.

This Isetta’s interior is a mixed bag, but it is serviceable for those wishing for immediate motoring enjoyment. The seller admits the upholstery is old, but there are no rips. The floormat looks good, and everything could remain untouched if the new owner prefers the survivor look. Otherwise, several companies offer trim and upholstery in the correct colors and materials to return this classic’s interior to showroom condition. Someone installed some additional gauges to monitor the engine’s health, which was probably wise in a vehicle of this vintage. Removing these will be straightforward if the buyer craves originality. Iso designed the Isetta to accommodate two adults and a small child across its seat but suggested that the rear parcel tray could comfortably host a second child. That is too scary to contemplate in the current environment of tightening safety regulations! The seller holds a significant collection of parts, including a complete set of windows and engine components. They are willing to include these for an additional $5,000 over the sale price.

Cars like the Isetta 300 represent motoring at its most basic. They don’t feature luxury appointments, and I think that’s why I have a soft spot for them. My wife’s daily driver has power everything, and it feels luxurious. Mine has none of those bells or whistles, and I prefer slipping behind its wheel every time. I freely admit these microcars don’t appeal to everyone, but such is the nature of the classic world. The seller claims that with fresh paint and upholstery work, it could command a value of $45,000 to $50,000. The claim carries credibility if you believe Hagerty, NADA, or cars that cross the auction blocks through firms like Barrett-Jackson. However, recent private sales tell a different story. They suggest figures of between $30,000 and $35,000. They occasionally top $40,000, and one exceptional car recently hit $60,000. However, that was the exception to the rule. That leads me to question the asking price and makes me hope the seller is willing to negotiate. Do you agree with that assessment?