a time when cheap, short distance transportation was needed.
The Isetta was incubated in the post-war economy of Europe. After the war, many
people did not have the money to afford large automobiles and instead moved about
on scooters and motorcycles. Renzo Rivolta, who made Iso S.p.A. refrigerators in Milan,
Italy, entered the market at this time with a line of scooters, motorcycles, and
three wheeled trucks. After some success with these vehicles, he decided to move into
the automobile business.
Thanks to BMW, the Isetta was the most successful of the bubble cars. BMW built 136,367
Isettas. Isetta of Britain produced about 30,000 cars. Romi-Isetta manufactured about
3,000 of which an estimated 200 remain. Velam produced about 5,000 cars. Iso itself only
made about 1,000 Isettas. Of the cars made by BMW, about 8,500 were exported to the U.S.
of which it is estimated 1,000 still survive.
Engine Specifications.
Type: I-1
Displacement: 297 cc.
Horsepower: 13 bhp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 14 ft-lb. @ 4200 rpm
Transmission: 4-spd Manual
Layout: Rear Engine/RWD
Top Speed: 50 mph
This is one great example of a stunning '58 BMW Isetta. It is in terrific condition
and drives extremely well. The exterior is a vibrant red with a white interior, original
BMW hub caps, original BMW gas cap, and a black rare roll back sunroof. The gearshift
is on the left, which takes a little getting used to, but then again this isn't your typical
BMW, Its an "Isetta."
This is a pristine example of a 1958 BMW Isetta.
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