Description

1959 BMW Isetta 300

Offered from a deceased estate; not changed hands for the last 51 years; restored and driven regularly up until 2014

Unlike anything seen before, not only was the BMW Isetta small (only 7.5ft long by 4.5ft wide) and egg-shaped with bubble-type windows, but the entire front end of the car hinged outwards to allow entry and exit. The steering wheel and instrument panel also swung out with the door as this made access to the single bench seat easier.
In 1956, BMW fitted longer side windows and a large 298cc engine to produce the Isetta 300, now with a heady 13bhp and improved torque that made hill climbing a little easier. Between 1957 and 1962 BMW produced the 300 in right and left hand drive in the famous old railway depot in Brighton.

This Isetta was one such example, being originally manufactured in the Brighton depot and in left hand drive format (not that it makes a lot of difference in one of these!). Few of these little bubble cars have covered many miles and this is no exception, showing just over 15,000.
We are unsure about the first ten years of its life but before the owner sadly passed away, he informed us that he had owned it since 1969.

He left it abandoned in a dry barn until 1999 when he brushed it off and had it completely restored and resprayed in its original primrose yellow. We understand all the work was done by a friend of his who used to work in the Brighton Isetta factory so he should have known what he was doing…

From 1999 onwards, YAD 8 was used regularly and was taken to many shows. Always kept garaged, one can see how well she was looked after. A few blemishes to the paintwork are now showing but only to be expected. Looking at the tax disc in the window, it appears to have last been used in 2014. Everything appears to be present and correct to make her drive again apart from the ignition key, which has been unfortunately lost.

Bidders should be advised that the registration YAD 8 is not transferable according to the old style logbook that is on file,


Contact - toby.service@brightwells.com