BMW's Isetta

After purchasing the license and tooling to build the Isetta, BMW would end up re-engineering the car extensively from 1955 to 1962, to the point that parts from an Iso car were not directly interchangeable with that of a BMW. One of the re-engineering was the powerplant around a BMW one-cylinder, four-stroke, 247 cc motorcycle engine which generated 10 kW (13 hp).This resulted in close to 162,000 vehicles being produced, and the world falling in love with one of the best known microcars of its time. The first BMW Isetta appeared in April 1955.
BMW made 3 Isetta models; BMW Isetta 250,300 and, 600.
Nowdays, BMW Isettas can be found mostly in museums all around the world. Only some Isettas remain buzzing in city streets around the world. People nowdays embrace the beauty of the small classic city car. There’s a reason for all the looks: they don’t make compact city cars this classy anymore.
However, the Isetta was never built to define ‘class’. Instead, it was meant to be the solution to low-cost transportation in the post war-era for thousands of people. Although this car wears the badge of BMW, it is important to remember that the roots of this iconic machine come from the Italian scooter and refrigerator company Iso SpA that initially unveiled the Isetta to the world in 1953. But after two years of slow sales (and despite entering it into races like the Mille Miglia), Iso began to license the designs of the Isetta in 1955—and finally see success.
Around town, its popularity as a mode of transport becomes easier to understand. It’s equipped with a single door and all the essentials: a canvas sunroof and a simple approach to motoring. The microcar is also a remarkably flexible machine that could almost be seen as an extension of yourself with wheels. Measuring a mere 90″ in length and 55″ width, it’s safe to say the Isetta manoeuvres with ease. Adding to its user friendliness, the Isetta is also perfectly capable of being parked with its door facing the footpath, allowing the occupants to step straight out onto a sidewalk.