7th May, 2022 13:00
May 2022 Classics Auction
1961 BMW Isetta 300
Registration - 850COT
Chassis No. - 328665
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 19,982
This truly splendid three-wheeled example of the bygone microcar era would surely be hard to better. In the care of its current keeper since the 1990s, it has only recently emerged from a full nut and bolt rebuild by a team of engineers and is now described by the vendor as being in ‘showroom condition’. The diminutive chassis was sandblasted and powder coated, while the once blue bodywork was also sandblasted before being finished in its fresh white over blue livery. The engine was fully refurbished and the clutch, exhaust, wiring loom, battery, gear lever, wipers and tyres were all renewed courtesy of The Bromley Bubble Co. Having only covered some 80 miles since the completion of the restoration, the Isetta is not yet fully run in. This delightful bubble car is now being sold complete with the registration ‘850 COT’, which alone has apparently been valued at £2,250.
Microcars were born of the need for cheap short-distance transportation in the post war years. The most successful of the breed was the Isetta, whose origins lay with the Italian firm of Iso SpA (Isetta is Italian for ‘little Iso’), which later built the infinitely bigger and faster Rivolta sports car. Not surprisingly, the diminutive two-cylinder, two-stroke-powered four-wheeler caused a sensation when it appeared at the Turin Salon of 1953, and Iso went on to build some 1,000 or so in Italy and Spain. Many more were built under licence in France, Belgium, Brazil, Britain and Germany, where they were manufactured by BMW. BMW made the Isetta their own. They redesigned the powerplant around one of their four-stroke motorcycle units and re-engineered so much of the car that it is said that none of the parts between the BMW and Iso Isettas are interchangeable. The 300 model was introduced in 1956 - the obvious difference being the increase in capacity from 250cc to 298cc, raising the output from 12bhp to 13bhp. The top speed remained the same at 53mph.
In summary:
- An immaculate righthand drive example
- A three-wheeled version, so can be driven on a full motorcycle licence
- Comes complete with valuable cherished number plate
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Sold for £19,125
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Registration - 850COT
Chassis No. - 328665
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 19,982
This truly splendid three-wheeled example of the bygone microcar era would surely be hard to better. In the care of its current keeper since the 1990s, it has only recently emerged from a full nut and bolt rebuild by a team of engineers and is now described by the vendor as being in ‘showroom condition’. The diminutive chassis was sandblasted and powder coated, while the once blue bodywork was also sandblasted before being finished in its fresh white over blue livery. The engine was fully refurbished and the clutch, exhaust, wiring loom, battery, gear lever, wipers and tyres were all renewed courtesy of The Bromley Bubble Co. Having only covered some 80 miles since the completion of the restoration, the Isetta is not yet fully run in. This delightful bubble car is now being sold complete with the registration ‘850 COT’, which alone has apparently been valued at £2,250.
Microcars were born of the need for cheap short-distance transportation in the post war years. The most successful of the breed was the Isetta, whose origins lay with the Italian firm of Iso SpA (Isetta is Italian for ‘little Iso’), which later built the infinitely bigger and faster Rivolta sports car. Not surprisingly, the diminutive two-cylinder, two-stroke-powered four-wheeler caused a sensation when it appeared at the Turin Salon of 1953, and Iso went on to build some 1,000 or so in Italy and Spain. Many more were built under licence in France, Belgium, Brazil, Britain and Germany, where they were manufactured by BMW. BMW made the Isetta their own. They redesigned the powerplant around one of their four-stroke motorcycle units and re-engineered so much of the car that it is said that none of the parts between the BMW and Iso Isettas are interchangeable. The 300 model was introduced in 1956 - the obvious difference being the increase in capacity from 250cc to 298cc, raising the output from 12bhp to 13bhp. The top speed remained the same at 53mph.
In summary:
- An immaculate righthand drive example
- A three-wheeled version, so can be driven on a full motorcycle licence
- Comes complete with valuable cherished number plate
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: May 2022 Classics Auction, 7th May, 2022
This auction of classic cars and motorbikes will take place at Hooton Park Trust in Ellesmere Port.
There will be free parking for auction attendees.
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling on of the team on 01606 828124
Viewing Days:
Friday 6th May 1pm - 7pm
Saturday 7th May 9am - 1pm
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
