Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
9th October, 2024 13:00
1962 BMW Isetta 300
No Reserve
Registration No: FSV 739
Chassis No: 332808
MOT: Exempt
On offer from the estate of the late David Neve
Purchased by the later owner who subjected it to a full restoration
Brighton built (UK Market from new)
One of the more successful designs of the micro-car era was the BMW Isetta. By 1959 they were powered by a 297cc engine was reckoned capable of 65mph and 55mpg. Approximately 162, 000 Isettas had been made by the time production ceased in 1962. This 'big' Isetta 300 The most memorable aspect of the design was the steering wheel and dashboard were attached to and moved with the opening fridge-like door to facilitate entry. From 1957, the two-seater Isetta incorporated sliding side windows for better ventilation.
According to the buff logbook supplied within the history file, chassis 332808 was first registered by the supplying dealer, A Williams & Co Ltd of Cheltenham, as ‘657 ADG’ on 16th April 1962. The first private owner would be H. J. Scarlett of Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, who would keep it until 1964 when it was sold on to a lady owner. The little Isetta would be passed through several owners and was re-registered with the DVLA as ‘FSV 739’ in 1986. By now it was starting to need restoration, and would be acquired by the late owner, Mr David Neve, in 1999.
Mr Neve purchased the car locally and would begin a comprehensive overhaul of the little two-seater including repainting, works to the brakes and an engine overhaul and would be the longest owned of his collection, remaining in a well-maintained condition throughout his ownership. Mr Neve’s son recalls that his father was exceptionally proud of his microcar collection and would often be seen around Norfolk at different car shows with them before his passing earlier in 2024.
Mr Neve’s declining health meant that his collection had not been used for some years, so all lots will require some level of mechanical attention prior to their usage. ‘FSV 739’ is to be supplied with a modest history file consisting of the UK V5C, original buff logbook, previous old style V5’s, a few old MOTs and a workshop manual. Some spares are also included with the car including a spare engine unit plus a pair of headlamps and small sundry parts like brake drums. We are honoured to be offering the car collection all at No Reserve at our Duxford Imperial War Museum sale.
