It is hard to compare BMW’s M3 and M5 barnstormers to this little Isetta 300, but both were produced by the same company. Admittedly, there are many decades of development and evolution between these models, but they all share one trait in common; They are all extremely desirable. This 1956 Isetta is one of the more desirable offerings because it is a fixed, or bubble-window example that rolled off the line with the largest engine available in an Isetta at that point. It will require a full restoration, but it is a classic that could be well worth the effort. The little BMW is located in Brewster, New York, and is listed for sale here on eBay. It has undoubtedly piqued some interest since coming onto the market. A total of 23 bids have been submitted, which has pushed the price along to $9,100. However, the reserve hasn’t been met.

Developed initially as a mass-market offering by Iso SpA in Italy, the Isetta found itself being manufactured under license in various countries across the globe. In late 1954, BMW not only bought the rights to the Isetta from Iso but also purchased the majority of the tooling. They then set to work developing the vehicle to fit within their product range. A graphic demonstration of how heavily BMW involved itself in this process can be best demonstrated by the interchangeability of parts. There are virtually no components from the BMW version that can be fitted to the Iso, and vice-versa. One of the battles that enthusiasts will encounter when searching for a BMW Isetta as a restoration project is finding one that isn’t plagued with significant rust issues. Potential buyers can breathe a sigh of relief because this car has little more than surface corrosion to be addressed. As you can see in this photo, the floors and frame are sound. However, this is still a classic that deserves a proper restoration, so it would pay to completely dismantle the vehicle to ensure that the corrosion can be stopped in its tracks. The panels tell a similar story, with no real problems. There are a few items like light lenses that are missing, but parts are surprisingly easy to locate. The sunroof will need to be replaced, although the frame itself is intact. Replacement tops seem to sell for around the $100 mark. The buyer may have to be prepared to import some of the parts required for this restoration, but there seems to be a strong network of retailers who are ready to assist in this area. Probably most importantly, all of the glass is present, and it appears to be in good condition.

The interior of the Isetta is elegantly simple, but this car will require new upholstery. The seat frame is present, but that’s about all that is included. Interior trim kits are available, but they are relatively expensive for such a small car. A trim kit costs approximately $1,200, while a carpet set will add a further $150 to the bill. Having said that, these aren’t items that will need replacing again for many years, so it should be money well spent. We get no engine photos, but we do know that it was a mechanical malady that saw this classic removed from active service in the early 1980s. Powering the Isetta is a 298cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine. The power from this finds its way to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. Unfortunately, this little car fell foul of a relatively common problem. The drive-chain runs in an oil bath, and the chains themselves have been known to fail on occasions. That has been the fate of this car, and the failure has damaged the transmission case. This is not the end of the world, because replacement cases are easy to find for less than $300. Beyond that, these are a remarkably simple vehicle. Even if the engine itself requires a rebuild, this can easily be performed by any competent motorcycle mechanic.

For the person who is looking to take on a restoration project in their home workshop, this 1956 BMW Isetta 300 has to be a car worth a serious look. It is even more tempting if that workshop is on the small side because this isn’t a classic that occupies a lot of space. The fact that this one is rust-free is an enormous bonus because they can easily be consumed by rust. That raises the question of just what this car could be worth once it has been restored. The Isetta tends to command some solid values, and on the desirability scale, this one would rate close to the top. While the company manufactured and sold the Isetta for 7-years, the bubble-window cars were only produced from May of 1955, through until October of 1956. That makes these the rarest of the breed and does significantly impact the potential value. If you can find a spotless example, then it is fair to say that you won’t see much change out of $60,000. That’s a lot of money for a tiny car. It is also why this particular car is well worth considering if you are looking for a cool and quirky restoration project.