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This Is Your Chance To Get the King of Quirky Microcars: A Restored 1957 BMW Isetta 300

Throughout history, we’ve been blessed with some amazingly weird and quirky cars. Today we are going to take a look at one of the heavyweights of this category.
1957 BMW Isetta 300 10 photos
Photo: Mecum Auctions
1957 BMW Isetta 300 Side Profile1957 BMW Isetta 300 Rear Profile1957 BMW Isetta 300 Steering Column1957 BMW Isetta 300 Blue Leather Bench Seat1957 BMW Isetta 300 Rear Profile1957 BMW Isetta 300 Front Profile1957 BMW Isetta 300 Side Profile1957 BMW Isetta 3001957 BMW Isetta 300
Surprisingly enough, this piece of automotive history that is available for purchase was made by BMW. Well, sort of. They did not come up with the design, but they were among the manufacturers that produced this marvel of automotive engineering that is the Isetta.

This specific BMW Isetta comes draped in the stylish and classic BMW blue and white color scheme. It has been comprehensively restored, boasting a fresh-looking blue leather interior, and is ready to turn heads in all of its weird awesomeness.

This microcar that rivaled the Messerschmitt KR175 and KR200 in its glory days is powered by a peppy 298cc, single-cylinder engine hidden beneath an engine cover that has its own separate key. Why such security measures were implemented for an engine with the power output of a blender (13 hp/13.2 ps), only BMW can answer.

In contrast to the highly secure engine, the fuel filler cap is fully exposed and can be undone by any stranger who passes by a parked Isetta on the street. Albeit, with a tank able to hold only 5 gallons (19-liters), it would not be that big of a loss if someone siphoned it.

The quirkiness continues inside the car as well, with almost everything the driver regularly uses not being placed where one would expect it. The gear shifter, for example, (oh yes, it’s a 4-speed manual) is placed to the left side along with the parking brake, despite the car being left-hand-drive.

Continuing the misplacing trend, the turn signal lever is on the right side of the steering column, which itself is mounted onto the single door of this car. Still, this is a smaller sin considering it’s a turn signal level in a BMW, and we all know they rarely get used.

Going on to the last quirky detail of this car, it boasts an independent front suspension, with leading links, coil springs, and shock absorbers. Quarter-elliptic leaf springs and telescopic shock absorbers can be found in the back, making this car surprisingly well-endowed for the segment it occupies.

Regardless of its issues or practicality, this car surely makes for a great conversation starter. It would be a great addition to the collection of any petrol head with an interest in the history of the automobile and we’re curious to see what it will fetch at auction.
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About the author: Bogdan Bebeselea
Bogdan Bebeselea profile photo

As a kid, Bogdan grew up handing his dad the tools needed to work on his old Citroen and asking one too many questions about everything happening inside the engine bay. Naturally, this upbringing led Bogdan to become an engineer, but thanks to Top Gear, The Fast and the Furious series, and racing video games, a passion for automotive entertainment was ignited.
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