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1955 BMW isetta Photos, engines & full specs

Body style: Hatchback
Segment: Mini
Production years: 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962

BMW Isetta 1955-1962 10 Photos
BMW Isetta (1955-1962)BMW Isetta (1955-1962)BMW Isetta (1955-1962)BMW Isetta (1955-1962)BMW Isetta (1955-1962)BMW Isetta (1955-1962)BMW Isetta (1955-1962)BMW Isetta (1955-1962)BMW Isetta (1955-1962)BMW Isetta (1955-1962)

The Isetta was the solution to a problem that BMW had in the mid-50s, and in a way, it saved the German brand from extinction.

After WWII, BMW had to build frying pans and pots to survive since its automotive section had severe restrictions due to the brand's involvement in helping the German army during the war. So, the company found a loophole that offered them the possibility to make cars without building cars. And that was the Isetta. A vehicle that could be driven with a motorcycle driving license and also could take two people onboard.

When the term "bubble car" appeared, the Isetta was the epitome of it because that's how it looked. At the front, it featured a large panoramic windscreen mounted on the door. Because to get inside the vehicle, the entire front side of the vehicle was an actual side-hinged door that opened along with the steering wheel. Later models featured the well-known kidney grille, which could open and serve as vents for the cabin. On its sides, the car came fitted with sliding windows for passengers and additional triangular ones. Finally, at the back, the Isetta featured a large, wrap-around windscreen. Since the engine was on the passenger's side, above the rear wheels, there were a few vents on the bodywork that cooled it.

To say that the cabin was minimalist is an understatement. The driver fronted the steering wheel and a tiny instrument cluster that showed only the speedometer and a couple of other warning lights. The lever for the four-speed manual gearbox was on the left, while the pedals were arranged with the steering column passing between the clutch and the brake pedal. A bench seat was all that the interior had to offer in terms of comfort. Still, a large shelf behind it provided some storage area.

The tiny vehicle was powered by a single-cylinder engine with a 300 cc displacement paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. Since the rear axle's track was small, the automaker didn't have to install a differential, which helped the Isetta cope well with slippery conditions.

BMW Isetta 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962
  2 gasoline engines
  • 0.3
  • 0.6

BMW Isetta
0.3

ENGINE SPECS - 0.3
Cylinders:1
Displacement:298 cm3
Power:9.7 KW @ 5200 RPM
13 HP @ 5200 RPM
13 BHP @ 5200 RPM
Torque:13 lb-ft @ 4600 RPM
18 Nm @ 4600 RPM
Fuel System:Carburetor
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:51 mph (82 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:Manual, 4 Speed
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Drums
Rear:Drums
DIMENSIONS
Length:88.6 in (2250 mm)
Width:52.8 in (1341 mm)
Height:52 in (1321 mm)
Front/rear Track:47.2 in (1199 mm)
Wheelbase:59.1 in (1501 mm)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:777.9 lbs (353 kg)

BMW Isetta
0.6

ENGINE SPECS - 0.6
Cylinders:B2
Displacement:582 cm3
Power:15 KW @ 4000 RPM
20 HP @ 4000 RPM
20 BHP @ 4000 RPM
Torque:29 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM
39 Nm @ 2500 RPM
Fuel System:Carburetor
Fuel:Gasoline
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:Manual, 4 Speed
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Drums
Rear:Drums
DIMENSIONS
Length:116 in (2946 mm)
Width:54 in (1372 mm)
Height:56 in (1422 mm)
Front/rear Track:49/46.5 in (1,245/1,181 mm)
Wheelbase:76 in (1930 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.5 in (165 mm)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:1123.6 lbs (510 kg)
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