this is a 1956 BMW isetta 300 — a rare, egg-shaped cruiser with rounded, bubble-like windows. a sensation when first issued, the entire front end of the isetta is on a hinge — drivers and passengers hop inside via a single, swinging front door. this particular model, currently up for auction, was discovered in a local junkyard 30 years ago and later underwent a massive restoration, which included an acid dip, new paint, refreshed cosmetics, red plaid interior, and an engine rebuild.
years after its production run, the isetta would go on to inspire a new generation of vehicles — the, quirky all-electric microlino, soon to hit european streets.
all images courtesy of bring a trailer
available for auction on bring a trailer, this BMW isetta 300 has seen its 298cc single-cylinder engine rebuilt during its restoration, and features new gaskets, and a 4-speed manual gearbox. at its time of production in 1955, the BMW isetta became the world’s first mass-production car to achieve a fuel consumption of 3 L/100 km, and was the top-selling, single-cylinder car in the world. the legendary piece of BMW history was famously taken for a spin by top gear’s jeremy clarkson, and found himself in a bit of ‘bubble trouble’.
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I guess, there is a large percentage of the readers/viewers that have never seen one of these…
Jim
I remember these! Please bring back the Citroen 2CV and the Renault 4!
My dad acquired one in the 60’s on a deal much to my 3 brothers and mine delight! We were allowed to drive it around our acre or so of yard and had a blast! Of course he had to take it to the gas station as none of us were old enough!
I remember very well the French VELAM before
I remember those too, beachcomber. But how about bringing back the real Mini (wish i still owned my Mk1 1275 Cooper S). As for the latest model for what counts as todays ‘mini’ – what a bloated, ugly abomination!
Yeah l’m down here in Bogota Colombia and smile at every R-4 l see. Google “Custom Renault Four photos” to see some real beauties and even the concept car.