This car is the definition of a true ‘garage find.’ It has been in the seller’s collection for approximately 26 years, stored inside the basement of a National Historic Building located in Sandy, Oregon. Last registered in 1967; the odometer has a current reading of 5802 miles; that same mileage is also reflected on the clean, clear Oregon title document. Because of the car’s age and the fact it has been off the road for so long, it will be sold ‘mileage exempt.’ The car has not run in many years.
BMW Isettas have been coveted in recent years and are affectionately known as the ‘King of Microcars.’ Designed and sold originally in the mid 1950s by the Italian refrigerator company, ‘Iso,’ the word ‘Isetta’ simply means ‘little Iso.’ Often nicknamed ‘the bubble car,’ Iso sold the rights to the car in the late 1950s to BMW who manufactured the car under several different licenses in many countries. The cars are powered by a single cylinder, 298cc four stroke engine producing 12 horsepower, mated to a 4 speed manual transmission with a reverse gear pattern. Curb weight is 778 lbs. and the cars can fit in the back of an 8 foot pickup bed.
This particular example was purchased in the early 1990s from 2 brothers who lived in Cathlamet, Washington. They used to drive it back and forth to high school and the car remained in their family for many years before being acquired by the current seller. In recent years, restored examples of this model have fetched in excess of $45,000.00 at collector car auctions. This car is the ‘Deluxe’ model, with a two-tone paint scheme and ‘fresh air’ grilles on the front door. All Isettas had a sunroof which could be used as an ‘escape hatch’ in the event of a front end collision where the door may become compromised. The export versions all had 4 wheels – not 3 – the three wheeled examples were sold in Europe so they could qualify to be licensed as motorcycles and pay less road tax. Fun fact – these cars were advertised by both Cary Grant and Elvis Presley, and credited by many for ‘saving BMW’ – whatever you may perceive that to mean. They are a hit at any car show – you just need to be prepared for lots of smiles, lots of questions, and loads of photo taking.
Being sold with some extra parts that are not installed; mainly the front chrome ‘nerf bars,’ the horn, the e-brake cover, etc. Other parts may also be available as well. Comes with 3 keys (including the engine cover key). Ready to be your next restoration project!
Car located in Sandy, Oregon.