by Mike –
As I was scanning the collector cars coming up for auction in Florida in March I was struck by how many BMW Isettas are being offered. There are six by my count.
Gooding has three (at Amelia Island March 7), RM has one (at Amelia Island March 8) and Auctions America has two (in Ft. Lauderdale March 14-16).
Go to Florida if you want a BMW Isetta
The Gooding Isettas
1956 BMW Isetta 300 – Estimate: $35,000 – $45,000 Without Reserve
1959 BMW Isetta 300 – Estimate: $35,000 – $55,000 Without Reserve
1959 BMW 600 – Estimate: $35,000 – $45,000 Without Reserve
The RM Isetta
1958 BMW 600 – Estimate: $50,000 – $80,000 Without Reserve
The Auctions America Isettas
1956 BMW Isetta 300 “Bubble Window” (Z Molding) – Estimate: $ 40,000 – $ 50,000
1957 BMW Isetta 300 – Estimate: $ 32,000 – $ 38,000
I like the Isetta and I think most people do not know what an important place in history this little car holds. In addition to saving BMW it also started the small car movement which is back in vogue today. Renzo Rivolta, the former president and owner of Iso, was a visionary.
Go to St. Louis if you want an Iso Isetta
I prefer an Iso Isetta which are very rare in the US but there is one for sale in St. Louis. It is a version made in Spain but it still carries the Iso badge.
Hyman Ltd.
1958 Iso Isetta – the price is $39,500.
Let us know what you think about the Isetta in the Comments.
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My wife has a `57 300 and it’s a hoot to drive. Completely terrifying over 50mph, but ideal for “golf cart” communities.
I would definitely keep it under 50 MPH!
Hi, Mike! Yes, the Isetta kept BMW on its feet and helped it to regain its manufacturing capacity after the devastation caused by WWII. After they were able to produce full sized cars again, Max Hoffman in NYC imported them and Porsches to the US, which helped them ramp up full sized car production, and also played a hand in saving both companies. One of the most interesting print ads of all time, is Cary Grant with a BMW Isetta, although I doubt he really drove one in real life.
On an unrelated note, I just noticed last night some very interesting pictures of the Maserati Mistral coupe, and was wondering your opinion of it kind of being a miniature version of the Iso Grifo. Both cars seem to have very similar styling cues, with the Mistral being smaller in every way, including its straight six engine. Curious of your opinion on this.
Glenn in the Bronx, NY
I had not noticed an resemblance between the Mistral and Grifo. I’ll take a look at some Mistral photos.