The Iso company in Italy built refrigerators and small motorised vehicles. Their founder Renzo Rivolta commissioned his engineers to build a small affordable car at a time when most Italians only owned bicycles or scooters. They used one of their motorcycle engines and named this new car the Isetta (Little Iso). The Isetta was a sensation and the first micro car of its kind. It was even entered in the Mille Miglia.
In 1954 Renzo Rivolta wanted to concentrate Iso’s efforts on his new Iso Rivolta sports car and explored licensing agreements. BMW not only took up a license to produce the Isetta but bought all the tooling too.
BMW started making the Isetta in 1955 and released the first one in April that same year.
The Isetta had to be redesigned for BMW’s version of its 250cc single cylinder motorcycle engine. With the changes to the engine done, it made 12 BHP and could reach a top speed of 85 km/h.
It was the world’s first mass produced car to reach a fuel consumption figure of 3L per 100 km and was the top-selling single cylinder car of that time.
In 1956 Germany implemented a law stating that cars were not allowed to use an engine with a displacement of 250cc and below. As a result, BMW increased the engine displacement of the Isetta to 298cc as 300cc was the maximum displacement allowed for the tax category that it was placed in.
This example has undergone a complete nut and bolt restoration by Crossley and Webb and is in immaculate condition.
Restoration details:
Mechanical:
Electrical
Body work
The interior
This is a perfect opportunity to purchase a ready to drive, completed restoration that would be the pride of any car collection
This BMW Isetta is available for viewing at the Crossley & Webb showroom in Cape Town. For more information please contact Jeremy or Gareth. Telephone (021) 462 3558, Cell 083 5370 456 or email: info@crossley-webb.com
Estimated Price Range:
R 450,000.00 - R 550,000.00
Lot Status
Sold
Total Bids:
6
Time Left:
Closed
Start Date:
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End Date:
Price:
R 525,000.00
The original Microcar
Outstanding restoration
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