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| Lot number | 1 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £50 |
| Description | BMW Isetta/600 chassis and door |
| Year | c.1955 |
| Documents | No Documents |
Built by the Italian firm of Iso, the Isetta caused a sensation when it was launched 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.
As you can see, the lot on offer here can only loosely be described as an Isetta because there isn’t really much of it left! Consisting of nothing more than a bare chassis frame and a front door, both items do at least seem to be in basically sound and straight condition and will no doubt prove invaluable to anyone with a complete car needing restoration.
AMENDMENT: We are advised that this chassis may be from a BMW 600 not an Isetta as stated in the printed catalogue. Bidders are advised to form their own opinion on the matter.
