Pre-bids

1959 BMW Isetta 300 4 Wheel

Highlights

  • Smart metallic blue with two-tone interior 
  • Very usable and tidy condition throughout 
  • Spent most of its life in dry South African climate
  • Rare 4 wheel, BMW-built version 
  • Current keeper since 2008 
  • Recent brake overhaul 

The Appeal 

Quirky doesn’t get much quirkier than BMW’s original Isetta. Particularly this rare model, the one with four rather than the three wheels more commonly associated with these models. 
The 300 added ‘luxury’ features like sliding side windows and, due to tax changes, a bigger engine. Both make this model more usable and therefore popular with collectors. 
It is a 1959 example, built by BMW and based in South Africa until 2000 when it reportedly arrived in the UK. Looking smart in metallic blue with a matching two-tone interior, it is a very tidy example with only light indications of its 65 years - likely thanks to its life in a dry climate. 
The current keeper has owned and enjoyed it since 2008. Recent work includes a brake overhaul. Few cars deliver smiles and fun quite like an Isetta 300. This pretty example is available with a huge collection of spares by separate negotiation. 

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered 1959 
  • Spent first part of its life in South Africa 
  • HPI clear 
  • HPI records indicate first UK registration January 1979 
  • This may be an error as vendor advises car arrived in UK in 2000 
  • Two UK keepers since first registration 
  • Current keeper since August 2008 
  • German-built model with BMW chassis plate
  • Registered as a Historic Vehicle so MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt 
  • Fault with odometer as shown in photos 
  • This explains discrepancies with the MOT records 
  • Range of spares available by separate negotiation 
  • VIN number 508206 

The Condition

  • Mid metallic blue paintwork looks smart and appears generally presentable 
  • There are some light marks and signs of age to paintwork as shown 
  • These include scratch to one side and areas of microblistering as shown 
  • Bodywork presents well with some aging and light bubbling to arches as shown 
  • Panels are generally straight with no accident damage reported
  • Exterior fittings including badges and bumpers are presentable 
  • Fitted with chrome rear luggage rack
  • Rear bumper is non-standard and has small dent as visible in photos 
  • Black steel wheels with chrome hub caps and General tyres in good order
  • Underside visible in photos with undersealing and no issues reported
  • Sliding side windows and other glasswork in good order with no obvious damage
  • Smart two-tone cream and blue interior in good order with light aging 
  • Speedometer understood to work correctly but two odometer digits missing as shown
  • No reported faults with electricals or switchgear functionality 
  • Aluminium tread plate fitted to floor as shown
  • Folding fabric roof appears to work correctly with no reported issues

The Mechanics 

  • 298cc single cylinder 4 stroke engine 
  • 4spd manual gearbox 
  • Recent brake overhaul 
  • Described by seller as running well 
  • No reported running or driving issues 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. 

Pre-bids

0 Bids

8 Watching

auction buyer icon What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction. You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Auction Details

  • Year1959
  • MakeBMW
  • ModelIsetta
  • ColourBlue
  • Engine size298cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownDerby
  • CountyDerbyshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Comments

No comments yet

Ask a question, share your knowledge, or show this auction some love!

Buying with Car & Classic

animation

How bidding works

All you need to know about the bidding process on Car & Classic

animation

Five steps to buying safely

We make it safe and simple to secure your dream classic

animation

Shipping & transport

Useful information on collecting your new vehicle

animation

Secure payments

How we protect you and your money, to make Car & Classic the safest place to transact

More FAQs

Gallery