While restored and survivor-grade Isettas are commanding good money these days, basketcase examples still tend to go cheaply or not go at all. This Isetta is missing major components, including the drivetrain and windows, and there’s a fair amount of body rust to deal with. The opening bid is $2,500, which puts this pretty immediately out of “deal” territory. Find it here on eBay in Indiana.
What do we suspect happened here? Is this a stalled restoration that then languished for years? Or was this a parts Isetta that now has potential to bring home a few bucks with finished examples enjoying a nice uptick in value? That phenomenon is not limited to microcars like this, as we’ve certainly seen 21-window VW Buses that are otherwise abandoned after being parted out suddenly resurrected as restoration projects.
The Isetta’s novel front door is detached from the car, which means the steering wheel and dashboard are collapsed in a pile inside the rotten cabin. The original design had the column and dash attached to the door so that when the door was opened, those items moved out of the way of passengers entering or exiting the vehicle. As you can see, the floors will likely need total replacement.
As far as what the future holds for this Isetta, I’m honestly not sure. The engine is also missing, so perhaps there’s a temptation to build a hotted-up microcar with a Hayabusa drivetrain (don’t snicker, it’s been done). Or is the car’s compact size a possible indication that the metal repair won’t be outrageously expensive? Personally, I think it’s just destined to become a parts car, but hopefully an Isetta enthusiast sees something worth reviving here.
$2,500? No way. Maybe $25 bucks.
No thanks I have a better looking golf cart that runs
🏌🏾 👍😎🐷🤓💰
What happened, Jeff? The wee machine broke down and had parts scrounged off of it over the years.
Sad end to a fun car…
Too little left to work with, for too much money. I would pass on this one.
I normally don’t put down cars on here, and yes while this could be restored after throwing a TON of $$$ at it, $2,500 would cover what I would charge to haulthis away as the risk of getting an infected cut is so high… That said I hope if this sells that it goes to someone with lots of passion and metalworking skills and a hefty bank account…
It’s the next VW multi window bus, just hang on to it for the next 100 years.
Put a handle on the back and use it for either a baby stroller or a wheelbarrow.
Put a handle on the front and use it for a commode.
When I first looked at this I thought that it had great potential as a wheelbarrow. Then I saw the state of the floor and that was quickly ruled out. Sad to see a great little piece of automotive history (literally) left to get to this state.
No Motor, No Windows: No Interest
An expensive door.
Apparently someone ( the owner) has watched American Pickers. Claiming these tin cans can bring 5 figures. I’m sorry, a shred of a Z28 Camaro is one thing, but this is pure foolishness. Like someone said earlier, the stated price is one thing, I’d really like to know what the final sale price really is on these hulks.
I used to say (back before they were valuable) that the Isetta was the first biodegradable car. When they quit running, the engine could be a boat anchor, the frame could make a motorcycle trailer, and you could put the body in the back yard as a dog house.
Dear Seller: $2500.00? Turn off the Mecum, Barrett Jackson coverage and come back to reality. What you have is little more [and I do mean VERY little] than a Little Tykes child’s toy.
Zero bids and 1 day left.
Wow
No motor, no windows, no interest in this trash! Who would buy this?
Maybe put this carcass on a riding lawn mower. Tho for $250, not for $2500
I agree with most everyone on this one, $250 – $500 seems about right.
I.D tag is in the backround. Maybe a vin and title is what the seller is really selling? I didn’t bother to read the actual ad LOL NO INTREST!!! other than reading the B/F post.
Must be some sanity left in the Isetta world. Ended: May 15, 2018 , 8:37AM
Starting bid:US $2,500.00
[ 0 bids ]