BMW opens new doors to space economy. - BMW
And they took that quite literally. BMW, like the rest of Germany, was in a period of postwar reconstruction under sanctions from both the U.S. and the USSR. It didn’t help that only the factories in Munich were still operational — the rest had ended up on the wrong side of the wall for BMW, a brand seen as capitalist and liberal.
As a response to the economic downturn, BMW partnered with Renzo Rivolta, an Italian refrigerator manufacturer, to create the BMW 300 and 600 Isetta. The Italian company had come up with a microcar that featured a refrigerator-style front door to save space. BMW, in turn, fitted it with a motorcycle engine from the BMW R25/3. And so, in 1955, the very first Isetta was born.
The result? A cheerful face formed by its headlights and bumper, and a rounded little belly providing just enough legroom. With its tiny wheels and adorable details, this car is utterly charming. The 600cc twin-cylinder boxer engine happily spins up to deliver its mighty 19.5 horsepower — enough to make your neighbor’s 2CV nervous at the traffic lights!
Ours? Exactly what you’d expect from us — an Isetta 600 in its original color combination, fully matching numbers, and recently restored down to the very last nut and bolt. Options? Absolutely. The gearshift lock, still present with its original key.
Looking for an authentic alternative to a 500, Mehari, or 2CV for your baguette runs through the village? This BMW fits the bill perfectly. Bis bald!