The original one: 1953 Iso Isetta

The microcar market is flooded with BMW Isettas — those built by the Bavarian factory under license from the Milan-based company — but actual Isos are a rare sight, and this is one of the few.

The Iso Isetta was originally developed in Italy by Iso SpA, a company based in Bresso (near Milan) that was known for producing refrigerators and scooters. In 1953, Iso introduced the Isetta, a small, egg-shaped microcar designed to be affordable, fuel-efficient, and ideal for postwar European cities. It featured a single front door, a motorcycle engine, and room for two passengers. The car quickly gained attention for its unusual design and practicality. In 1954, BMW acquired the license to produce the Isetta in Germany. BMW reengineered the car with its own engine and components, improving reliability and performance. The BMW Isetta became a huge success and helped save the company during a difficult financial period.

The photos are limited and not of high quality, so it’s impossible to assess the condition in detail. However, it seems that the car, while not concours-level, is in acceptable shape. And even if it weren’t, restoring it wouldn’t break the bank, especially considering that this vehicle could easily be parked in your living room without even taking up much space. What pleasantly surprises us is the price, given the rarity of the car. Find it for sale at €15,000 (today $17,000) here in Madrid, Spain.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.