Lot Ended
Description
Rare right-hand drive Brighton built Isetta; 300cc engine with
reverse; showing just 32,889 miles; simply lovely condition with various smart
upgrades
One of the most recognisable microcars of
the 1950s, the BMW Isetta helped provide economical motoring to a generation
emerging from post-war austerity. Instantly identifiable by its distinctive
front-opening door and compact dimensions, the model proved a great success
throughout Europe and in Britain, where right-hand-drive examples were built at
Brighton. Today the Isetta remains an icon of post-war motoring, with the
British-built 300cc right-hand-drive cars among the most desirable
variants.
Coming from a small private collection,
this particular example was manufactured in Brighton in 1961 and is presented in
fetching bright red with a contrasting white interior. The paintwork retains a
good depth of shine with no notable defects, complemented by white wheels to
match the interior trim, all set off nicely by red piping.
The car currently displays just 32,889 miles and has been running and
driving on site for the purposes of photography and video. It is offered for
sale only due to lack of use, having been stored indoors by its current
owner.
Although now MOT-exempt, the car passed
three MOT tests between 2014 and 2016, each with no advisories recorded. Since
then, it has covered fewer than 30 miles, suggesting little has changed in the
intervening years. While this may support the indicated mileage as genuine, all
prospective bidders must satisfy themselves.
Our
vendor informs us that the gear selector cables, a known weak point on these
cars, have recently been replaced and adjusted using upgraded cables and
fittings to provide a more positive shift quality. The car also retains its
reverse gear, enhancing its practicality and ease of use. A spare brake slave
cylinder is included in the sale.
In summary,
this Isetta presents as a fine example of the breed and is particularly
desirable as a British-built, right-hand-drive 300cc model. Benefiting from
sensible upgrades and running well as demonstrated in the accompanying video, it
would make a charming addition to any collection and is guaranteed to raise a
smile wherever it goes.
Contact - jack.kenneally-perrin@brightwells.com