Micro cars such as the Smart Car are not a modern concept.  After the Second World War, much of Europe had been laid waste.  As a result quick, easy and affordable engineering and transport solutions were sought.  It was from this need that that the Isetta (and other cars such as the Fiat 500) were invented.

I saw one of these amazing cars the other day in Tesco's car park (No I wasn't shopping, just taking advantage of their 2 hours free parking whilst I popped into the office).

I couldn't believe that it could be in such good condition.  This model is the Isetta 300, so called because of its single cylinder 300cc engine, and came into production in 1956.  This appears to have been built in Germany as it is LHD, (There were RHD versions built under licence from BMW in Brighton, in the UK).  It is hard to date this particular car as the owner was not about, but it appears to be a from the late 1950's or early 1960's.  It has large headlights and nudge bars at the front, to comply with US car legislation.  These were not present on the original 1956 model.  It also has 2 windscreen wipers, something which 1958 models did not have.  However the Alignment of the BMW & Isetta badges differ from those on the late models at the end of production in 1963.

Note how the door is at the front of the car, also look at the shape of the door.  The door is very similar in shape the that of a refrigerator, this is no coincidence as the original Isetta was designed by Ios SpA an Italian company which after the Second World War manufactured refrigerators, so it perhaps no surprise that design ideas were interchanged between products.

The steering wheel, column and dash is attached to the door, however , a universal joint allows them to move out with the door, making it very easy to get in.  The Isetta can carry two people and luggage inside, as well additional luggage on the rack at the rear.Top speed from the 15hp engine would be in the region of 55mph, however this is from a car built in an era before motorways, and when a brand new Morris Minor would top out at around 60mph

Want One?

For a good one, they go for about £5000, and this one appears to be very good!

Running costs shouldn't be too bad, their small engines making them very economical.