1957 BMW ISETTA 300 CONVERTIBLE

KEY FACTS

• A charming, low-mileage example of the quirky classic microcar, benefitting from a sympathetic recommissioning and presented in excellent condition.
• It is powered by a 298cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine, producing around 13bhp and driving the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.
• The Convertible version is very rare compared to the fixed roof model.
• The odometer displays only 8,353 miles, which the vendor believes to be accurate.
• After being off the road for many years, this Isetta was acquired by the seller around 12 months ago, and has been lightly refurbished.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• First registered in 1957, this left-hand drive, German-built Isetta is finished in the appealing hue of Hellblau (light blue) over a blue and cream interior.
• During the seller’s ownership, they have aimed to bring it up to a good standard while retaining as many original features as possible.
• While the exterior of the car has previously been resprayed, the brightwork, vinyl upholstery, interior paintwork and trim are thought to be original, as are the engine, gearbox and other mechanical components.
• The only known modifications are the car’s UK-specification rear bumper and side repeaters, as well as its ‘club’ engine mounts and a replacement exhaust silencer.
• This Isetta will be accompanied by its V5C and owner’s handbook, as well as a number of invoices for the parts used in its refurbishment.

CONDITION

• The vendor states that the shell is absolutely solid and has no corrosion. The typical areas where these cars rot is completely sound and there has been no structural welding to the shell. The battery box, floors, door and arches (inner and outer) are all in remarkably original shape.
• Having been fully resprayed in Hellblau, the exterior paintwork is in great shape, with a smooth and glossy appearance around the car.
• Furthermore, the exterior trim and brightwork are in excellent condition, as is the red convertible hood, which fits snugly over the frame below, with no rips, tears or fading.
• The interior is very smart, with a charming time-earned patina on the vinyl basket-weave upholstery, the steering wheel, and other trims.
• The seller has made a small repair to part of the fibre-board trim near the gearstick, but this does not detract from the cabin’s wonderfully original appearance.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical faults with the vehicle.

SERVICE HISTORY

• During the seller’s 12 months of ownership they have lightly recommissioned the car, repairing or replacing components only when necessary, in order to preserve originality.

SUMMARY

This very rare BMW Isetta 300 Convertible is a particularly appealing example of the iconic microcar, which is offered for sale with very low mileage. Benefitting from a sympathetic refurbishment and presented in highly original condition, this 1950s ‘bubble car’ will attract smiles wherever it goes, and should make a fun and memorable weekend runaround or show car for its next owner.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.