The Car that saved BMW!

Description

• Year: 1958
• Mileage: 14140
• Primary color: Japan Red
• Transmission type: 4 Speed Automatic
• Engine: 298 cc

With a production run of over 160,000 units between 1955 and 1962, the Isetta is said by many to be the car that saved BMW. Because it has only 298 cc's, putting out about 13 hp, you weren't required to have a driver's license (although I think a motorcycle license was required).

This particular car was brought into the U.S. in 1966 by the second owner and was later sold to a collector/dealer who had the car remarkably restored a few years ago in it's original white and Japan-red. While many of the restorations you see today look quite nice, they are often missing some of the originality. The restoration on this car was done in such fine detail that the interior fabric used was remanufactured to exact specifications of the original material and pattern in a mill in North Carolina, as well as a masterful reproduction of such other parts as the unique BMW sun visor (see pics). I've probably seen 15 of these cars on separate occasions, but have yet to see the original fabric on another car.

This car also comes with a "grease guard" in the original material, an option that was supposed to keep the ladies' skirts from getting caught up in the lower part of the steering column. I tried to give full disclosure with the photos, showing not only its strengths, but any place where you can see some aging.

The car is fun to drive or can be put in your office, and can be fun just to look at! I did have it up to 52 mph, but it took a good while and I had the wind at my back.

• Location:,
  Van Nuys, CA, 91405, US
• (213) 927-6899
• info@mbclassics.com

• http://mbclassics.com/
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