BMW Isetta - the 50s micro car that saved BMW!

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BMW Isetta

Whilst today we consider BMW a strong automotive brand with a keen following, the situation was very different in the mid 50s whereby the company was facing bankruptcy.

The company had created beautiful vehicles like the 503 and 507 which were luxurious, head turning motors; but here’s the thing, they were making losses on every sale.

So to survive, BMW had to change their tactics entirely. They needed to come up with a cheap car which would be an instant success, make the company money without years of investment into design and needed little in the way of development.

I bet nobody in those initial meetings thought a fridge maker would save the day, but that’s exactly what happened at the 54 Turin Car Show where Iso Rivolta were debuting a three wheeled car with a giant door on the front which they’d named the Iso Isetta.

BMW immediately realised it was the exact car they were looking for, despite being a world away from the luxe cars loved by customers and from 1955, the Isetta was produced under license.

In the early days, the slightly refined design was fitted with a modified version of the 250 four-stroke engine which had been used in the R25 motorcycle, giving 12 horsepower. However, by the point this particular example was sold, BMW had introduced a 300cc engine - which still retained a top speed of 53mph.

It’s also worth noting that the gearbox on this is a four speed manual with reverse - the onus was on the owner of the vehicle to blank off reverse if they were only driving on a bike license! No automatic transmission units were ever fitted to these as standard.

Whilst they were cheap as chips at launch, roughly 1500 dollars, 1300 euros or 1250 great british pounds today - in today’s modern world with them being a cult collector vehicle, prices are easily 10 times that in the UK alone.

Like many mid century classics, the Isetta has a lively club and social scene through the collective microcars groups and parts are still obtainable to some degree, making them despite their small stature, a very usable classic and one which can be maintained and enjoyed. Nigel the owner of this has even been to Europe in it!

The Isetta was in production for eight years and over 160,000 of them were sold worldwide making it the most popular one cylinder car in the world.

It might seem a gimmick today to some onlookers - but in a world where there was a need for cars but not much cash to spend on them, bubble cars served a valid and worthy market position. Plus, the bubble car market was open to everyone - not just those with a car license!

[mickyg]

I was born in '53, was used to seeing these in the late '50s as well as Meschersmitt tandem seat 'bubble" cars. Ideal step-up from motorbikes.

[philw]

My dad bought my mum one of these in the late 60's as her first car. He spent several weeks driving it around the estate trying to make it feel right/safe, tinkering with various bits. Mum refused to drive it, so it was sold. It then passed them on the local dual carriageway going flat out with the new owner seemingly feeling quite safe! We often wonder how long he lived, driving an ISetta in that manner! Often wish they'd kept it, just for fun.

[aguyfromthes]

The St Bernard and bubble car in the same video absolutely made my day, thank you Steph you’re looking amazing x

[nigelh]

I love that radio, especially in its door mounted console.

[toolmaker]

Traded in my LI 125 for one of these, YXA636, colour blue. No Heater, no radio, however, courting was a lot more comfortable. Poor old girls length was reduced by 30% after being "rear ended" and shunted into a 100E Anglia in Heathrow Tunnel. The only exit for my future wife and myself was through the roof and with a bit of on the spot sheet metal work and wire to hold the door closed, we managed to get home safely. Happy days.

[Topshaman-pkrx]

My father had one of those. I always thought it was cool getting in through the front past the steering wheel. I love how you've dressed for the part with the 1960s white boots; my mother had a pair of those. I did have a smile at the antics of the dog in the background.

[Roger.Coleman]

You really look the part Steph, fond memories of a friend in the 1970s buying a BMW Isetta on an ' economy ' mission with escalating fuel costs and being asked to drive it home 60 miles, an experience I shall never forget .I see the lovely St Bernard had to have a wee right on cue !!.

[samuelesocchi]

The dog peeing in the back killed me ☠

Love your videos sooo much

[Saskue]

Well pleased it was ok to drive in the rain. Those were some tight roads you were driving on to.

An stunning in your period outfit awesome. 🙂🙂

[asa]

Stephanie darling looking absolutely fabulous as always and love the rod

[D...M...A...]

Yet another, goodnight and good morning to you Steph ... Absolutely smashing boots... Nicely done, you slay us ...

[ry]

My first car was one of these . I drive it 27k miles all over the uk with no problems . I used go cruise flat out at 50 most of the time . Gear chsnge was the wirst part . I always had to double declutch on the downshift . I fitted carpets and lined the inner panels with felt . Made the car much quieter to ride in . Handling was surprisingly good once you got used to it . Mine was bright yellow ! All in all, a great little car that served me well . Even did my courting in it !!?

[gjclark]

Just come back from a car show in Devizes, had a lot of Marcos's to Rolls Royce and the humble metro.
Thi video is the icing on the cake !👍

[TheDarkPhoenix]

Here in the states, the Isetta gained notoriety with a television show called "Family Matters" where one of the main characters, Steve Urkel, drove one.

Also, heaven forbid you'd be in a front end collision in one, I should think they'd simply pop open the window and remove you with a wet vac because there'd be nothing left of you! Still, they sure do bring smiles to a lot of people.

[acsc]

remember them from my childhood, very cool steph

[KenanTurkiye]

Not the first time I see it.
But everytime I see that thing, I think it has a heartbeat! 💗
:)

[chrisagnew]

Great episode. The big dog was the chef's kiss.

[antonymorris]

Not many left them.u see loads reliant Robins.u was lucky in that car steph narrow roads .Nice dress u wore.great video x

[timelwell]

Great review - thanks Steph. My mum had one of these - this brings back a lot of memories.

[chaddamp]

Back in th1960's a lady had one, we called it a bubble car !!