1957 BMW Isetta - for tennesseecowgirl by goodoleboy
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Description
BUY THIS CAR!!!
Captured 10/25/09, at the 8th Annual Wings Wheels Rotors & Expo, held at the beautiful Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB) in beautiful Los Alamitos, California.
A far cry from the 1934 Auburn Salon Sedan shown previously.
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The Isetta was one of the most successful microcars produced in the post-World War II years at a time when cheap, short-distance transportation was most needed. Although the design originated in Italy, it was built in a number of different countries, including Spain, Belgium, France, Brazil, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Because of its egg shape and bubble-like windows, it became known as a bubble car, a name later given to other similar vehicles.
The Isetta caused a sensation when it was introduced to the motoring press in Turin in November 1953, it was unlike anything seen before. Small (only 2.29m (7.5ft) long by 1.37m (4.5ft) wide) and egg-shaped, with bubble-type windows, the entire front end of the car hinged outwards to allow entry and in the event of a crash, the driver and passenger were to exit through the canvas sunroof. The steering wheel and instrument panel swung out with the single door, as this made access to the single bench seat simpler. The seat provided reasonable comfort for two occupants, and perhaps a small child. Behind the seat was a large parcel shelf with a spare wheel located below. A heater was optional, and ventilation was provided by opening the fabric sunroof.
Power came from a 236cc (14.4-in), 7.1kW (9.5hp) two-cylinder two-stroke motorcycle engine. The engine was started by a combination generator-starter known as Dynastart. A manual gearbox provided four forward speeds and reverse.
Source: Wikipedia Encyclopedia
I believe that's the engine in photo #3.
Ta-ta, and thankx for stopping by.
Comments (14)
tstray1
You can't help but look at it. What a weird little car! Great shots!!!
babuci
What a cute thing. Sure this car is of fun, I would not make my shoping with this lovely thing unless ask for the home delivery..lol. Great collage and so interesting.
tennesseecowgirl
Harry you bought me a car?? I knew you were a nice guy but I never expected this, I am most overwhelmed... lol where do I put my boots though?? Back when I was in high school in California, a few years back LOL, my boyfriend at the time had this tiny little car, I think it was a Honda Civic. well one night a bunch of us as a joke actually picked it up and moved it. lol it was that small. We didn't move it far but we did get it moved. Thanks for the nice memory and the cute car I will treasure is always. Vrooom... cute collage and super cute car..
bmac62
Great little car...just not safe when driving among the automotive behemoths on the road in the 50s and 60s. New thing for me is that it was produced in all the other countries outside Italy. Mighty fine collage with beautifully composed, colorful and sharp photos.
myrrhluz
What fun! The motorcycle reflected in the first shot is probably of a similar size. I remember being in a bus in Greece that was blocked on a narrow road by a parked car. The bus driver and three passengers got out and moved it onto the sidewalk and off we went. Excellent shots!
Hendesse
Fantastic shot. This littel car reminds me of my childhood. They were called here "salt shaker".
billcody
Wonderful catch! This little car is a BMW Isetta and saved BMW after WW II. BMW was in its origin a motocycle manufactory (and builds fine motobikes till today, too). In WW II BMW was part of the Hitler warmachine as all other anufactories in the German Reich and produced engines for nazi bombers. After WW II the production stopped an war material was not needed and forbidden. The produced motobikes again, but Germany needed small and cheao cars. They found this design in Italy and bought the licences. At first needed, than a cult car (since 1960 or so) I remember well at this car and the front door. It looked funny and was everytime right for jokes. Thanks for sharing! This is a very fine piece of this series.
MrsRatbag
What a cute little thing! I'd be afraid to get on the highway with it, though. Wonderful shots, Harry!
cedarwolf
I think they need to consider remaking this car and marketing it here in the USA as an in-town commuter car. It's adorable and probably inexpensive to run.
Rainastorm
What a TOTALLY cool and cute car...and I love the fact you have people checking it out in your pics...so interesting to see the expressions on their faces!!
elfin14doaks
It's a Steve Erkel Car. Wow I don't even remember what show that was. I don't think he was meant to be the main character either, just comic relief. Great shots. Haven't seen one in a long time.
Str4wB34ry
It's the only BMW I'd consider owning, I think it's gorgeous and your collection of photos realy do it justice.
wysiwig
My company had a car/motorcycle showing last year and someone brought their Isetta. I was the only one who knew what it was. We got the owner to start it up and, I swear, if I had got behind it and pushed we could have mowed the lawn. This one is really cherry. Excellent pics.
debbielove
And for gangs of bikers .... hours of endless fun , as they rolled them down the road, or down a hill..... Ooooop! I/we hated them personally! But time... That said! Great shots, and is that you in the hub cap!? Rob