BMW Isetta 300

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Built by the Italian firm of Iso, the Isetta caused a sensation when it was lunched at the Turin Motor Show in November 1953.

Unlike anything seen before, not only was it small (only 7.5ft long by 4.5ft wide) and egg-shaped with bubble-type windows, but the entire front end of the car hinged outwards to allow entry and exit. The steering wheel and instrument panel also swung out with the door as this made access to the single bench seat easier.

Power came from a 236cc 9.5bhp two-cylinder scooter engine mated to a manual gearbox with four forward speeds and reverse. A chain drive connected the gearbox to a solid rear axle with a pair of closely-spaced rear wheels. Top speed was about 47mph with up to 70mpg economy. In 1954 Iso entered several Isettas in the legendary Mille Miglia where they took the top three spots in the economy classification and averaged 43mph.

The Isetta also captured the attention of BMW who soon made a deal to design and manufacture their own version of the car under licence. BMW quickly made many changes, including a new 247cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine, borrowed from the BMW R25 motorcycle, that made 12bhp and boosted top speed to around 50mph.

In 1956 they fitted longer side windows and a larger 298cc engine to produce the BMW Isetta 300, now with a heady 13bhp and improved torque that made hill climbing a little easier. Between 1957 and 1962 BMW also produced the 300 at a factory in the former Brighton railway works.

First registered in Somerset in October 1959, this Isetta 300 is one of those Brighton-built cars and has had just four owners to date, the vendor acquiring it two years ago from a person who had owned it for 23 years, the car spending much of that time laid up in a garage in Lancashire. The indicated mileage of 33,600 is believed to be genuine (not warranted) and is partially backed up by various documents on file.

Recently recommissioned for sale, the car was treated to a new clutch, new brakes, carburettor overhaul, re-chroming of certain parts and some paint rectification. Said to be in good running order, the vendor adds that: “It has no sign of rust on the bodywork, there is some light pitting on the chrome, and the interior condition is good.” It comes with a workshop manual, instruction manual, owner's handbook, Isetta Club documents, sundry technical literature about the model, an old MOT from 1995 and bills for the recommissioning.

With microcar values shooting up of late, this low-mileage, few-owner machine ticks all the right boxes. Fun to drive and easy to store, it would also make a real talking point if displayed in a trendy bar or restaurant.