BMW Isetta 300
The BMW Isetta is one of the most unlikely success stories in automotive history. In the mid-1950s, BMW was on the verge of financial collapse, unable to sell its expensive luxury sedans and sports cars in a market that demanded affordable transportation. The company's salvation came in the form of a tiny egg-shaped microcar licensed from the Italian firm Iso.
The Isetta 300 was powered by a single-cylinder four-stroke engine displacing just 298cc, producing 13 horsepower at 5,200 rpm. This modest output was sufficient for a vehicle weighing only 350 kg, providing a top speed of approximately 85 km/h and fuel consumption of just 3.5 liters per 100 km. The engine was BMW's own design — a modified version of their motorcycle powerplant — replacing the original Iso two-stroke unit.
The Isetta's most distinctive feature was its front-opening door. The entire front of the car, including the steering column, hinged to the right, allowing the driver and passenger to step directly onto the sidewalk. The steering wheel swung with the door, and the dashboard instruments were mounted on a separate panel that remained fixed. This ingenious arrangement provided surprisingly easy access to the intimate two-person cabin.
Inside, the accommodation was snug but functional. Two adults could sit side by side on a bench seat, with a small luggage shelf behind. A folding canvas sunroof provided ventilation and additional headroom. The instrument panel was simple — a speedometer, fuel gauge, and a few warning lights. The four-speed gearbox was operated by a floor-mounted lever, and the driving experience was described as more motorcycle than car.
The Isetta sat on a narrow rear track with two closely spaced rear wheels, eliminating the need for a differential. The front wheels were more widely spaced, with independent suspension using leading links and coil springs. Steering was by rack and pinion, and braking was by drums on all three wheel positions.
BMW produced approximately 161,728 Isettas between 1955 and 1962, and the car's commercial success provided the cash flow that kept the company alive until the Neue Klasse sedans arrived in 1961. Today, the Isetta is a beloved icon of 1950s design and a reminder that great companies can emerge from the most unlikely vehicles.
Check for rust in the floor, sills, and around the front door hinge area. The front door mechanism must operate smoothly — misalignment is common and expensive to correct. Engine parts are available through BMW motorcycle specialists. Verify correct BMW engine (not the rarer Iso original). Canvas sunroof condition affects value. Matching colors between body and front door panel are important.
Produced at BMW's Munich factory from 1955 to 1962. Licensed from the Italian manufacturer Iso, who had designed the original Isetta. BMW re-engineered the car with their own single-cylinder four-stroke engine replacing Iso's two-stroke unit. Total production reached approximately 161,728 units.