The Isetta was a quirky, Italian-deigned microcar built in several countries, including Germany and the UK. Due to its egg-shaped appearance and bubble-like windows, it became known as a “bubble car” and was capable of achieving 78 mpg on petrol. The seller has not one but two of these interesting cars, but both are projects, and both 300s were built in 1957. Depending on which one you want, they’re in Bentonville, Arkansas, and available here on Barn Finds Classifieds for $8,500 and $10,500, respectively.
Although the cars were built under license in multiple countries, the Isetta is usually associated with BMW. Though production began as early as 1953, BMW produced them from 1955-62. Initially, the single-cylinder, 4-stroke motorcycle engine had a displacement of 247-cc and later 298-cc, which is where the 1957s got their name from. Horsepower was meager at no more than 15, but these cars weren’t meant for anything other than traveling on small roads.
The seller has collected two of these interesting machines and both are at some point in disassembly and require restoration. One of them was built in England and has a VIN tag but needs a lot of body and floor work. The other may have been built in Germany to U.S. specifications and wears the logo of the business that it once worked for. That one has already had some bodywork done and is a matching numbers auto with a rebuilt motor, transmission, and chain case. Neither of the two cars seems to have any glass.
If titles are important to you, neither of the Isetta’s has one, so the deal will be consummated strictly with a bill of sale. The seller is looking to get $8,500 for the British edition, while the U.S. version with former logos will cost $2,000 more or $10,500. Together they are $19,000 with no indication of any change in price or quantity discount. As BMW’s version of the Isetta sometimes differed from those built in other countries, we’re not sure if it’s a valid idea to buy both to make one good one.
Theres one about 3 min. from where I live for 2000 in better shape then either of these but no title either.Been sitting in a garage for about 40 years or so.Guy brought it back when coming home from a tour in Viet Nam. These are overpriced imo for the condition they’re in.Neat little cars but unless you have an estate or a ranch to cruise around on what do you do with it?
Hi Maggy, my name is Norm in Gulf Shores, Al. Would you consider connecting me to the seller? I am have an interest in the purchase of
it. I am also a USMC Nam Vet.
Thank you and Semper Fi
I never liked any of these “bubble” cars, no matter the name plate. I felt like you could stick your foot out and trip this into rolling for a short distance. This pair is definitely way overpriced period
The ISO Isetta was a flop in Italy (FIAT 500 killed microcars in Italy) but selling the license to BMW not only got BMW on the road to where it is now but also funded ISO to build its wonderful Chevy engined Rivolta, Grifo etc in the 1960s.
So lets give these little guys some credit!
About 25 years ago, a friend that collects military vehicles and artillery attended a rural property to buy part of a military collection in an estate sale on a large farm.
In a barn among the military items were two dusty, complete Isettas under a pile of boxes.
My friend was told that the Isettas were sold for a short time by the local Ford dealer, and were part of a package deal when two, new Ford trucks were bought for the farm. The Ford dealer had tried selling Isettas, but they were not popular in the area, and he decided to liquidate the remaining stock.
The farmer and his family used the Isettas rarely, and they got parked in the barn relatively quickly. My friend bought the military suff (artillery), but was not interested in the little cars.
The Isettas are now long-gone, hopefully in the hands of someone who would appreciate them.
Another case of American Pickeritis. No thanks.
Haven’t talked to him in almost 2 years. Let me see if he still has it. it still had a army base sticker on it on the w-shield I remember when I was looking at it..It was his fathers who has since passed. He said his dad had it imported and never titled it.
Thank you so much Maggy, I truly appreciate it.
Semper fi
They did a show on Phantom Works about these cars. The business owner and the car owner had to fly to the UK to find parts and the whole experience was not cheap. I know these sell for a ridiculous price when restored, but to drive to the grocery store?
Since the Isetta originated in Italy, from a company called Iso that made refrigerators among other things, I find it interesting that an appliance repair company used this as a company car. The repairman drove up in a refrigerator to fix your refrigerator.
To understand the value of these shells one needs to check United Kingdom prices, or at least know something about cars and micro cars.
These are rare and becoming rarer, they are very sought after collector’s items, parts are available online, nobody has to fly to Europe anymore it’s not the 70s.
Properly restored both of these cars could bring $40,000.
give me the 600. I like the single wheel addition