BMW Isetta 250 from 3rd hand restoration in 2014 imitation leather folding top (1957)

Vehicle description

Model history:

The luxury cars that BMW produced from the early 1950s onwards were of interest to the "créme of society", but the Bavarian carmaker realized that - in order to be able to survive on its own - it had to include a low-priced vehicle in its range that could be sold in large numbers. To avoid having to invest capital in cost-intensive new developments, BMW was on the lookout for a concept that it could build under license: A licensing agreement was finally reached with the Italian-based company Iso Rivolta, which produced a small egg-shaped scooter called the Isetta. BMW produced in such a way from 1955 to 1962 more than 161,000 Isetta models.

General to the vehicle:

With the BMW released in this auction to the auction it concerns an Isetta 250 from first registration 1957, which was registered with the chassis number 497527 for the first time in Germany to traffic and according to data of the salesman over the years altogether only 3 owners to exhibit. An exact history is not available due to lack of documents, but it is known that this Isetta underwent an extensive restoration in 2014, in which it was disassembled into all parts and rebuilt with many new parts. Currently, the Isetta has a valid Austrian inspection until August 2023 - the seller lets mention that a German TÜV on request (for a small expense price) would be unproblematic.

Exterior color / paint / body:

optical zeitgeist awakens the red / white paint of this Isetta, which came over the years completely new. All add-on parts are obviously in complete as well as well preserved condition on the exterior and as a contemporary accessory a chrome luggage rack sits at the rear of the car. Speaking of chrome: All chrome trim elements on the BMW are in apparently shiny condition and gross modifications deviating from the original condition are not to be mentioned after consultation with the seller - moreover, the seller confirms that this BMW is accident-free.

exact condition of the exterior can be seen in the additional photos

Exterior Rims/Brakes/Chassis:

70-90% condition assessment attests the seller both the brakes and the tires of this Isetta - in the area of the chassis, he is not aware of any major defects and negative conspicuous features are according to him

Matching the paint color, the steel rims painted in red stand out.

Interior:

When the front door is opened, the steering wheel swings open forward and to the side - making it easy to get into the little Isetta

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Seating comfort is provided by the bench seat upholstered in leather and the black/beige color combination - in addition to the carpets in the interior, the fabric sunroof was also completely new. All the necessary gauges and instruments needed for driving are in good and complete condition. According to the seller, given the vehicle's age of now over 65 years, the interior of the BMW Isetta can be taken a good used condition, which has a contemporary patina. For an exact overview of the interior, we refer to the many photos to the vehicle - also the videos give a better insight.

Mileage:

On the almost tiny round instrument of the BMW Isetta can be read on the speedometer - which is five-digit - a mileage of 370 kilometers. According to the seller, the Isetta should have a total mileage of about 15,000 kilometers.

Engine:

An air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine, which has a displacement of 250 cc, drives the Isetta with 12 hp. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. A last service took place in October 2022.

Underbody:

Except for light flash rust, there is no real complaint to be found on the underbody, as the substance appears to be extremely solid. Eye-twinklingly dubbed the "pothole-searcher" or "hickey," the Isetta played an important role in automotive history in several respects: it saved BMW from early ruin and made an important contribution in the transition from motorcycle to full-fledged automobile. The seller also mentions that a home delivery of the classic is possible throughout Germany (for a small flat fee) by a freight forwarder without any problems and that the BMW is in immediate, registrable condition. A special feature of this BMW Isetta is still to be mentioned: It has been used in the promotion tour of Andreas Gabalier!

Vehicle videos

Why Kickdown? The NDR summed it up well!