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1957 BMW Isetta 300 Cabriolet

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Description

Do you collect BMW Isettas? We have one of four-wheeled, bubble-style cars but its a cabriolet. Its a United States version of the BMW Isetta and it was refurbished in the early 2000s. All components have been restored, bumpers with guards, suspension, brakes and steering and a new exhaust. BWM built these quadricycles or microcars from 1956 to 1962. This ones wearing red paint with white trim and its all in very good order. The bodywork is straight and solid, the chrome bumpers and bumper guards look great and fit tightly.

This baby BMW rolls on four 145-R10 Camac tires mounted on white wheels. The tires and wheels are all in very good order. Suspension includes coil springs up front and leaf springs in back. Braking is handled by two hydraulic front drums and a single version for the back wheel.

Powering this wee vehicle is a 298cc, one-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission. This four-wheeler had maintenance performed in February 2021, including replacing the spark plug, a new drive chain, new battery, fuel tap and an oil change. Cabin access is provided from a single, side-hinged door with tropical vents and twin windshield wipers. The white vinyl bench seat looks great. Theres a black rubber floor mat instead of carpeting. The gearshift is mounted on the left of the steering while a reverse-sweep VDO speedometer is framed by a four-spoke steering wheel.

In 1956, the government of the Federal Republic of Germany changed the regulations for motor vehicles. Class IV licenses issued from that time onward could only be used to operate small motorcycles and could no longer be used to operate motor vehicles with a capacity of less than 250 cc. At the same time, the maximum capacity allowed for the Isetta's tax category was 300 cc. Class IV licenses issued before the change in the regulations were grandfathered and allowed to be used as before. This change in regulations encouraged BMW to revise their Isetta microcars. In February 1956, a 300cc engine was introduced. The engineers enlarged the single cylinder to a 2.8-inch bore and 2.9-inch stroke, which gave a displacement of exactly 298cc; at the same time, they raised the compression ratio from 6.8 to 7.0:1. As a result, the engine power output rose to 13 horsepower at 5200 rpm, and the torque rose to 13.6 ftlbs at 4600 rpm. The maximum speed remained 53 mph, yet there was a marked increase in flexibility, chiefly noticeable on gradients. If you collect Isettas, we have a new one for you to consider. If youve never seen one of these four-wheeled delights before, you should drop by MotoeXotica Classic Cars today to check this one out for yourself.

VIN: 501534

This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 31,581 miles. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, mileage exempt title. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!

Note: Please see full terms and conditions listed below that pertain to the purchase of any said vehicle, thank you.

Highlights

  • U.S. Version, all components were restored – U.S. bumpers with guards, new exhaust, suspension, brakes and steering
  • 298cc, one-cylinder engine and four-speed manual transmission, including reverse
  • Maintenance done in February 2021 included replacing the spark plug, drive chain, battery, fuel tap and oil change
  • Maximum speed is 53 mph
  • Rear-wheel drive
  • Red exterior with white cabriolet roof
  • Folding rear window
  • Side-hinged “tropical” front door with twin windshield wipers
  • Sliding side windows
  • VDO speedometer
Stock #
220126
Vin:
501534
Transmission:
Manual
Mileage:
31,581