Summary

U.S. version finished in red over white. Complete restoration 20 years ago. Roll-back sunroof, folding rear window, side-hinged 'tropical' front door with twin windshield wipers, picnic basket and luggage rack.

Details

This 1957 BMW Isetta cabriolet U.S. version is finished in red over white vinyl and powered by a replacement air-cooled 298cc single-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual gearbox. Additional equipment includes a roll-back sunroof, a folding rear window, a side-hinged 'tropical' front door with twin windshield wipers, a picnic basket, luggage rack and single bench seat. The car is said to have been refurbished in the 1990s and 2000s, with extensive records. All components of the car were restored, including rechromed U.S. bumpers with bumper guards, replacement exhaust, suspension, braking and steering components. Maintenance performed in February 2021 included replacement of the spark plug, drive chain, battery and fuel tap. Cabriolet features include a white retractable roof panel and rear window. A picnic basket is mounted to the luggage rack. The car rides on white-painted 10-inch wheels wearing BMW hubcaps and 145-R10 Camac tires. Braking is handled by two hydraulically actuated front drums and a single version fitted to the right rear wheel. Suspension includes coil springs up front and leaf springs out back. The cabin is accessed via a single side-hinged front door with 'tropical' vents and twin windshield wipers. Amenities include sliding side windows, a single bench seat upholstered in white vinyl, a black rubber floor mat, a shifter mounted on the left and a rearview mirror. A reverse-sweep VDO speedometer is framed by a three-spoke steering wheel and houses a five-digit odometer showing 31,580 miles. The BMW had 13hp and 14 ft/lbs of torque when new. The engine was serviced with an oil change as well as a replacement drive chain, fuel tap, spark plugs and battery.