Lot details Registration No: 133 HUP Chassis No: 322964 Mot Expiry: None
Produced by Renzo Rivolta's Milanese Iso SpA conglomerate, the Isetta was the result of an evolutionary chain that had begun with fridges (hence perhaps the design's distinctively large, single-piece front door) and progressed via scooters and three-wheel mini trucks. With a specification that included a compact rear-mounted drivetrain, canvas sunroof, independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes, the newcomer caused a sensation upon launch at the 1953 Turin Motor Show. Intended to provide low-cost, economical transport for two people and their luggage, the diminutive four-wheeler was capable of barely 50mph. Nevertheless, despite this limited turn of speed, a factory-entered team of Isettas won their class (and the index of performance) at the 1954 Mille Miglia. Suitably impressed, a struggling BMW (whose lavish model range was somewhat at odds with the pervasive economic climate) approached Iso with a view to building the Isetta under license. Suitably re-engineered, the first BMW Isetta appeared in April 1955. Updated the following year with the adoption of sliding windows and a larger 298cc single cylinder four-stroke engine (liberated from the R27 motorcycle) that made 54mph a possibility, its popularity was increased still further by the Suez crisis.
Finished in red with a light coloured interior, this Isetta has been on static display as part of a private Lake District collection since its acquisition on 23rd August 2005. Although reported to have been driven into the collection building under its own power, the Isetta is currently a non-runner and will require recommissioning prior to road use. Sold strictly as viewed it is accompanied by a green logbook, V5 / V5C Registration Documents and a MOT certificate dated 17 September 1986.
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