1959 BMW ISETTA 600 2­DR SEDAN
Designer: Giovanni Michelotti

Estimate: $37,000 - ­ $50,000

Chassis Number: 134871
Engine: 582 cc horizontally opposed 2­-cylinder
1­-barrel Carburetor / 19.5 bhp
4­-Speed Manual Transmission
Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

● Historic Member of BMW Heritage
● Capable of Driving in Modern Traffic
● Unique Styling, Quality Restoration

The Model: While the original single-­door Isetta 250 and later 300’s has been built under license by BMW, the Isetta 600 was a design that the Munich­-based company developed. While Mercedes­Benz flourished well in the early postwar years, and Volkswagen was receiving help from foreign concerns, BMW found the road to recovery a little tougher. However, the outstanding engineering and skill that went into their machines helped pave the way to success. The Isetta 600, with its larger engine, longer wheelbase, extended body providing seating for four, went from coupe to sedan and was designed to be a stepping stone towards returning for full ­scale automotive production. The ideal economy car for a small family, the 600 was in production for just two model years 1958 and 1959, during which time around 35,000 were produced, a bit less than BMW had hoped for, but making them rare and sought after today.

The Car: Few Isetta 600’s have come to American shores and making this prime example a real treat to offer and review. This little sedan has spent most of its life in Europe and was located in France just a couple of years ago. It had been treated to a recent restoration featuring a correct and attractive red and white finish with matching vinyl interior. The engine is reported to run out quite well and is capable of attaining highway speeds. The 600 features BMW’s first use of an independent semi-­trailing arm suspension, used in nearly every BMW automobile up into the 1990’s, which makes it one of the most driveable and enjoyable micro ­cars ever built. A wonderful combination of unique designs with the front of the car opening for driver and passenger, plus room for the kids, a picnic basket or a set of golf ­clubs, this BMW is the way to go.