The Isetta was a microcar designed in Italy but built under license in several countries, including BMW in Germany. It earned the nickname “bubble car” for its distinctive egg-shaped appearance and bubble-like windows. The little car was designed to accommodate two passengers who entered and exited via a single door out in front. This BMW edition of the Isetta is from 1957 and is said to be a fun driver, yet the seller also refers to it as a project. So, you should be able to drive it while you fix it! Located in Sebastopol, California, this throwback to the carefree 1950s and 1960s is available here on craigslist for $26,900. Kudos to Barn Finder Pat L. for this tip!
I remember seeing a few of these near the beach in South Florida when we were on vacation when I was growing up, but less so today. Perhaps not that many of them made it to the U.S. even though more than 161,000 of these “bubbles” were produced. As I got older, the coolness of the car was replaced (for me) with concerns for the occupants of the Isetta in the event of a frontal collision (you might be a goner even in a low-speed accident). BMW made the Isetta it’s own by redesigning the powerplant around their single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 247-cc motorcycle engine which generated a whopping 12 hp. This was later upgraded to 298-cc (hence, a part of the name) and a couple of extra horses were added. The gears were operated through a 4-speed manual transmission
According to the seller, the original BMW drivetrain has been replaced by something else. A Rebuilt 304-cc German military engine powers the little machine now, capable of 65 mpg. We assume the rest is pretty much the way it came. New tires can be found on all four corners. Loads of spares will come with the deal, including an extra engine, carburetors, wheels, tires, transmission, and even a second frame, said to be rust-free.
We’re not sure why the seller has pitched this car as a project. It seems to present well enough externally, but we’re not sure of the condition of the tiny interior (bench seat). But whatever work it may need, you’ll be treated to shop manuals, club notes, and repair articles from way back when to help you get and keep it on the road for years to come.
Neat little car with a not so little price, on a motorcycle you might be thrown clear. I can’t help thinking this could be an expensive coffin.
You beat me to it as I thought costly coffin right away.
Maybe a German version of an LS swap. 65 in this would be some ride.
Here’s a perfect example of a useless item, properly marketed through media, can be attractive. That, apparently translates into 5 figures for some silly reason. I remember, my old man called all these “Gogomobiles”, but the “Gogomobile” is featured lower. No relation, but the old man said it derogatorily, and didn’t know what he was talking about anyway. A guy in HS put a snowmobile motor in one. He got tired of finding it on the HS steps, and that was that. Just don’t see the attraction here, let’s make a list, shall we? What would YOU buy for $28grand? Probably 2 or 3 neat classics,( that ’65 GP, for one, suck this tin can through the air cleaner) what am I missing here? The money, I suppose.
Howard,
I have to agree with your comments. My first house cost less and appreciated four fold since then. This is not a good investment by any stretch of the imagination.
I agree with Howard and Riffraff, $26 grand for a glorified motor scooter. I remember these as a kid, and we would comment “don’t anyone stick their foot out because you could cause a rollover”. I could never understand why someone would want this out on the road… maybe down a country lane with little or no traffic.
Another subscriber to the Junk & Scrap Dealers retail price guide. This guy has confused the Isetta with a Messerschmitt KR200. There is a world of difference in the value of these two cars. The Messerschmitt KR200 would be worth the asking price of this tin can. Major pass on this one way overpriced.
Correct. I recently sold my 1957 Messerschmitt KR 200 to a collector who already has 6 restored Messers so I’m sure he knows the true value of these cars. He also has 38 other “bubble” cars. The car was totally original with only 26,000 miles on the clock and the engine was frozen. He paid me £11,000 for it and is not going to restore it but use it as a model for Messerschmitt club members to view in order to get their restorations restored to exact original specs.
I had 2. One ran and the other for parts. You had to make sure you left the sun roof open in case someone parked in front of you and you couldn’t open the door.
I am very suspicious of all that diamond plate…. If it isn’t hiding a bunch of rust… It soon will be…
It marks well the era when motoring was civilized.
joining w/the “28K?” comments, but today is what it is (& add “B reasonable, mate!”). Dont rememer that rear treatment (w/the double ‘bulb’ stickin out) & say “Positively citrone like” – double chevron?)