Microcars like the BMW Isetta 300, now for sale on eBay, were designed as affordable and fuel-efficient transportation in Europe after World War II. These highly maneuverable two-seaters were well-suited to narrow city streets under construction after the war.
Isetta succeeded in its mission, not only in its native Italy but throughout Europe and South America. In the 1950s, Isetta versions were sold under license in Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. But BMW fully embraced the wee Isetta, purchasing not just licensing rights but the tooling to build its version of the microcar.
Like Nothing Else on the Road
The 1960 BMW Isetta 300 now available on eBay is as pristine an example as you’re likely to find. While it looks much like the original Italian version, BMW completely re-engineered it. Few parts are interchangeable with the original.
A 300 cubic-centimeter, single-cylinder BMW motorcycle engine is mounted in the rear. It produces 13 horsepower. The powertrain is paired with a four-speed manual transmission, good for a top speed of 53 miles per hour. Many drivers find that sufficiently fast for a vehicle barely larger than a Barcalounger. It’s about seven feet long and weighs less than 800 pounds.
The seller provides few details about the car besides its excellent running condition. This microcar is in great shape, from its gleaming red paint and chrome trim to the tidy interior.
The Original Cozy Coupe
A single bench seat provides room for two passengers, ideally ones who are comfortable in close proximity to one another. Cabin access is via the single front-mounted door that opens to the driver’s side, taking the steering wheel with it for unimpeded entry. The basic accommodations include patterned upholstery and red carpet covering the front floor and rear cargo area.
The list of amenities is short, based on Isetta’s mission of providing economical transportation and minimal weight. Side windows slide open for ventilation, and the one upscale feature is a cloth sunroof for open-air motoring. A single windshield wiper enables the party to go on in unpleasant weather.
BMW made more than 160,000 of these tiny cars before production ended in 1962, when Europeans developed an appetite for larger vehicles. But the Isetta’s small dimensions and unique styling continue to delight auto enthusiasts. As a result, collectors continue to drive up the cost of microcars.
The appeal today echoes what made the BMW Isetta 300 appealing in the first place. The small footprint takes up little more garage space than a lawn tractor, and its simple design makes for minimal maintenance. This turnkey example for sale on eBay is priced at $29,500, which seems to be a typical purchase price for a well-restored example. With so many built over the years, parts to maintain an Isetta are still around. Since the car is so small and Spartan, keeping it in good running condition should be a breeze.
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