1961 BMW Isetta 300
Highlights
- Low documented mileage of under 45,000 miles
- Older restoration in good and usable condition
- Engine and gearbox replaced 11,000 miles ago
- Huge history file dating back to car’s early days
- Previous keeper retained it for 40 years
- Bespoke frame system to make maintenance easier
The Appeal
If there’s a quirkier and more distinctive classic than BMW’s original ‘bubble’ car we’re yet to find it. As contemporary motoring finds its environmental mojo, these clever, economical city cars were way ahead of their time.
There were many iterations of the Isetta. The ‘300’ added more power and a dab more luxury - there were sliding side windows - which makes these cars easier to live with on modern roads. Three and four wheeled versions were available and here we have an original, UK-market triple-wheeler.
Aside from the smart, usable condition, its calling card is its vast history file, amassed by its small number of keepers. The last one retained it for 40 years, using it regularly for events and shows. It underwent a full restoration during his tenure and the engine and gearbox were replaced 11,000 miles ago.
With its low documented mileage of under 45,000 miles and solid, well kept mechanical condition, this lovely 300 looks a treat.
The History and Paperwork
- First UK registered 3rd July 1961
- DVLA reports five registered keepers but this is limited due to its record keeping
- Vendor advises nine registered keepers with one keeper owning it three times due to change of addresses
- Current keeper since September 2023
- Previous keeper had car for 40 years and was a Club member
- Previously painted red and gold which was changed in December 1993
- Large history file as shown in photos
- This includes invoices, receipts, tax discs and old paper MOTs
- MOT history verifies the low mileage
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Car is registered as Historic Vehicle so tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt
- Various typewritten correspondence as shown describing modifications
- Photographs of restoration
- Reported to have been regularly exhibited at events by previous keeper
- Original log book and hand book as shown
- Very sparing use since expiry of last MOT in 2018
The Condition
- Tidy and generally well presented red 300 in unmodified trim
- Paintwork is an older restoration in fair condition for age and year
- There are some light chips and marks to note in photos
- Bodywork is straight and presentable with some aging to note
- This includes blistering to seams and localised areas as shown
- White steel wheels in fair condition with some aging as can be seen
- Sliding side windows and large folding vinyl sunroof in good order
- Exterior lights present well with no functional issues reported
- Two-tone grey vinyl interior in good order with some aging to note
- We are told there are some light scuffs to interior which can be checked in photos
- Vendor advises that there are some scuffs on the interior wheel arch trims
- We are also told that the plastic shroud for the indicator cover is missing
- Fitted with original three spoke Bakelite wheel and modern Blaupunkt stereo
- Also features a MPH speedometer
- Underside appears to be in good condition with no reported issues by seller
- We understand the switchgear and electrics all work correctly
The Mechanics
- 298cc single cylinder four stroke engine
- 4spd manual gearbox
- Bespoke hinged system fitted by previous keeper to improve engine and gearbox access
- Engine and gearbox reportedly replaced at 33,000 miles according to photos
- No reported running or driving issues
- Used very sparingly in recent years
- Low mileage is documented in run of old MOTs shown in photos
BEFORE YOU BUY
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1961
- Make BMW
- Model Isetta
- Colour Red
- Odometer 44,839 Miles
- Engine size 298
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Hucknall
- Location Nottinghamshire
- Country United Kingdom
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