| Automobiles of Amelia Island Saturday, March 13, 2010 |
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| From the Estate of Mr. John O'Quinn | |||||||||
| 1960 BMW Isetta 300 | |||||||||
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13 bhp, 298 cc overhead valve air-cooled single-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, front leading arm suspension with coil springs, rigid rear axle with quarter-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 59.1" Initially developed by Renzo Rivolta’s Iso works in Italy as an efficient and affordable form of motorized transportation following World War II, the Isetta remains one of the most memorable “microcars” that helped to mobilize a shattered postwar Europe. When it was introduced by BMW in 1955 for the German market, the Isetta’s unusual ovoid shape and diminutive proportions brought about the whimsical nickname, “das rollende Ei” – the rolling egg. The BMW Isetta debuted in 1955 at the Frankfurt Auto Show alongside a giant BMW 505 Pullman Limousine, which must have created quite a scene at the BMW stand. While the Isetta sold quite poorly in Italy, the timing for BMW was perfect, as these little cars quickly became a fashion statement, and the Bundespost used them extensively as well. The Isetta quickly achieved cult status in the United States as well, where it was featured on a number of variety shows. Weighing merely 770 pounds, the Isetta was powered by a four-stroke, single-cylinder 298 cc air-cooled engine borrowed from BMW’s motorcycle line. Nonetheless, it was capable of propelling the car to speeds exceeding 50 mph, achieving fuel consumption of 40 to 45 mpg. A contemporary road test by Road & Track also noted the Isetta’s low operating costs, mechanical robustness and ease of maintenance. Isettas are only seven feet, nine inches long, including their chrome plated nerf-bar bumpers, and only four and a half feet wide; in all, they are barely larger than a standard sheet of plywood. Isetta owners were never at a loss for a parking space, contributing to their strong popularity among city dwellers. The O’Quinn Collection acquired this delightful 1960 Isetta 300 in 2006. It is finished in navy blue with a green plaid interior and a rubber floor mat, as well as a grey vinyl top and interior paneling. Attractive and authentic throughout, the car presents quite well. The paint shows no apparent defects in the form of blisters or cracks, but the brightwork exhibits a little pitting in certain places. Overall, this is a lovely example and a very drivable “microcar.” |
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