1956 BMW Isetta 300 Bubble-Window Z-Bar
Reliable air-cooled 300 cc motorcycle engine
Desirable Z-bar trim
More than 160,000 examples sold
The Isetta shown here is one of the most desirable models produced, due to its Z-bar trim design and larger air-cooled 298cc engine, offered for only one model year. Many aspects of this Isetta are original, having been well preserved throughout its life. This Isetta retains the original RCA tube radio, luggage rack and front wheel spats, ready for its next trip around town.
Microcars were popular as they utilized motorcycle engines to keep tax costs down. This model is powered by an air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine producing about 13 horsepower. With weight under 800 lbs., this is enough power to move three or four people at moderate speed – if they can fit inside. The later Isetta 600 featured the 582-cc boxer twin-cylinder engine from the R57 motorcycle, with a top speed of over 60 MPH.
BMW was on the edge of bankruptcy in the mid-1950’s – motorcycle production was declining, and the company was not making money on luxury models like the 503 and 507. The company needed a vehicle that could be put into production to make money immediately - the Isetta was BMW’s answer. Designed in Italy to be built under license in countries around the world, the BMW made the Isetta one of the most iconic bubble cars of all time. While the car was built by companies such as Iso in Italy, Romi in Brazil and De Carlo in Argentina, BMW saw the most success with the Isetta selling more than 160,000 of them over a six-year production period.
The Isetta was brought to reality by the Italian firm Iso, designed by aeronautical engineers Ermenegildo Preti and Pierluigi Raggi. The company had been building various items such as refrigerators, motor scooters and three-wheeled trucks. Iso powered their Isetta with their own two-stroke 236cc motorcycle engine, though BMW redesigned the powerplant, using their four-stroke 247cc motorcycle engine.
While the Iso and BMW Isetta’s appeared very similar at first glance, BMW had re-engineered the car to a point that no parts were interchangeable between the Iso and BMW. The original Iso Isetta had just three wheels, though the car was prone to rollovers, which led BMW to add a second rear wheel.
Specifications:
Engine: 298cc air-cooled one-cylinder
Power: 13 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
Brakes: 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes
Suspension: Swing-arm front suspension, leaf-spring rear suspension
Weight: 778 lbs