BMW ISETTA 1961 (N/A)
300

Vehicle Description

The Team at Monument Garage are delighted to present this iconic 1961 registered RHD BMW Isetta 300(Affectionately know as the Bubble car)This car is supplied with a huge history file and photographic evidence of the restoration carried out over a number of years.
In 1956, the government of the Federal Republic of Germany changed the regulations for motor vehicles. Class IV licences issued from that time onward could only be used to operate small motorcycles and could no longer be used to operate motor vehicles with a capacity of less than 250 cc. At the same time, the maximum capacity allowed for the Isetta's tax category was 300 cc. Class IV licences issued before the change in the regulations were grandfathered and allowed to be used as before.[24]

This change in regulations encouraged BMW to revise their Isetta microcars. In February 1956 a 300cc engine was introduced.[25] The engineers enlarged the single cylinder to a 72 mm (2.8 in) bore and 73 mm (2.9 in) stroke, which gave a displacement of exactly 298 cc; at the same time, they raised the compression ratio from 6.8 to 7.0:1. As a result, the engine power output rose to 10 kW (13 hp) at 5200 rpm, and the torque rose to 18.4 N⋅m (13.6 ft⋅lbf) at 4600 rpm. The maximum speed remained at 85 km/h (53 mph), yet there was a marked increase in flexibility, chiefly noticeable on gradients.

In October 1956, the Isetta Moto Coupe DeLuxe (sliding-window Isetta) was introduced. The bubble windows were replaced by longer, sliding side windows.
In March 1957, Dunsfold Tools Ltd. signed a lease on part of the former Brighton railway works on the south coast of England with the intention of beginning production of the BMW Isetta under licence in May of that year.[26] Shortly afterwards, Dunsfold Tools Ltd was renamed Isetta of Great Britain and the British Isetta was officially launched at the Dorchester hotel in April.[27] The factory had no access by road, therefore components were delivered by rail and finished cars were shipped out the same way.[28]


Three wheel BMW Isetta
The British cars had right-hand drive with the door hinged from the right hand side of the car and the steering column moved across to the right as well. Right-hand drive meant that both the driver and the engine were on the same side, so a 27 kg (60 lb) counterweight was added to the left side to compensate. Dunlop tyres were used, and Lucas electrics replaced the German Hella and Bosch components, with a different headlamp housing being used. Girling brake components replaced the ATE brake parts.

The Isetta was not popular in the UK until a three-wheeled version was introduced. Although three-wheeled vehicles are more prone to rolling over, there was a financial advantage: they could evade automobile legislation and taxation by being classed as three-wheeled motorcycles,[29] and could be driven with a motorcycle licence. Isetta of Great Britain continued to produce four-wheeled Isettas, but only for export to Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

In 1962, Isetta of Great Britain also stopped production of the little cars but continued to produce Isetta engines until 1964.Each and every car supplied by Monument Garage comes fully valeted, serviced to manufacture specifications (if required), 12 months MOT and 3 months warranty (if applicable). There are various Funding Plans available, one of which may help with the purchase of the car, so we would like to invite you to visit the showroom to view the car, meet 'The Team' and discuss any vehicle you may have to part exchange.

Running Costs are as follows: Road Tax (12 Months): £ | Insurance Group (1-50): | Fuel Consumption (Combined): mpg.

We are a small friendly family business operating in Brigg, North Lincolnshire with an enthusiastic, knowledgeable team of staff giving a personal service to everyone we meet. We have well over 50 years experience in the motor trade and most of our stock is ‘hand picked’ from main dealer groups from across the country. Every car is prepared to a high standard and presented immaculately in our 40 car indoor heated showroom. We operate a ‘no pressure’ attitude in the way we work and generally find customers choose to buy cars from us, so if you are looking for a small runabout or a luxury saloon, please call in to see us. Our up to date website provides full details of all the cars we have; www.monumentgarage.com. We hope we will get the opportunity to welcome you to our showroom to discuss your requirements, alternatively please call us on: 01652 656560.