Barn Find/2-Door Micro Car/Most Parts Present/582cc Engine 4-Speed

1958 BMW Isetta

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Due to the fact that the Isetta, nicknamed Das Rollende Ei (the rolling egg) was only a marginal seller, and Iso wanted to concentrate on sports car production, he decided to sell the rights to the Isetta. BMW, which was in dire financial straits at the time and facing the prospect of a buyout by Mercedes-Benz, was in need of a fast-selling product, and was one of three purchasers of the rights. Its fuel economy of 60-63 miles per gallon was comparable to that of today's hybrid-electric cars. Some British models were produced with three wheels, allowing it to be registered as a motorcycle and avoiding taxation and licensing requirements. Introduction of the Mini in 1959 signaled the end of the Isetta's popularity, but the rolling egg had achieved its purpose, bringing BMW back from the brink of financial failure and securing its future.

Calling all parts hounds, sleeve-rollers, welder-wielders and elbow-greasers. This 1958 BMW Isetta 600 TZ modeled limousine for sale at Classic Auto Mall might not have all its parts and might have some rust issues instead but it sure opens up the floodgates of imagination. Who wouldn't like to see it turned into a gasser? Or maybe a lowrider? Lifted off-roader? What would you do with it?

Exterior
Lite yellow original paint covers this 2-door car. Driver access is through the front door which swings open and is attached to its foldable mechanism steering column. Passenger access is through a door on the car's passenger side only, hence the 600 Designation and referral to an Isetta Limo? Who'd-a-thought! Larger than the standard Isetta by 1 bench seat in the rear, and 1 door for access to it. Chrome is corroded, badging is there and there are definitely parts missing. Amazingly, just slight exterior rust on this mini limo.

Interior
Dressed in all the finer 1958 had to offer with cloth inserts and vinyl bolsters, the somewhat well-worn surfaces, but the springs, padding and coverings are still there, as are the original door panels. A fine utilitarian rubber matting covers the floor. The dash is intact, and the odometer shows 24,000 miles however it is not known about original miles. Headliner is mostly rotted away, and pillar linings will need replaced. Glass is all present and accounted for.

Drivetrain
This 600 is powered by the 582cc (35.5ci) flat-twin engine from the R67 motorcycle/sidecar combination. This engine, which delivered 19.5 horsepower at 4,500 revolutions per minute, was mounted behind the rear wheels. A four-speed manual gearbox was standard. This 600 has a top speed of approximately 100 km/h, which is somewhat scary considering the size of this car and the position of the driver. Currently this engine does not run and is missing some parts.

Undercarriage
Rust abounds and is seen in surface form, and some corrosive rust. A frame off restoration will reveal its true structural condition, as is now, it is very difficult to tell exact conditions.

An interesting and somewhat rare example of late 50's BMW design and its quest to stay afloat, and it worked! This is definitely a barn find, but is mostly there for the taking, and fueling your micro car imagination.

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.