1959 BMW ISETTA CUSTOM MICRO

Summary

730hp 'Whatta Drag.' New frame made from heavily welded steel tubing, 2-speed manual, 502cid Chevy big block, dual-circuit disc brakes, BMW M3 suspension, BDS supercharger and twin Holley 750cfm carburetors. Not street legal, solsd on Bill of Slae only.

Details

A one-of-a-kind fully functioning 730hp creation of Hot Wheels' famed model. 1959 BMW Isetta 'Whatta Drag.' Designed by Phil Riehlman and first introduced in 1998, the concept was based on a heavily modified BMW Isetta bubble car that retains its identity as an Isetta, while taking on that of a V8 powered dragster. So successful was the design that it was included as part of seven different Hot Wheels series that would be produced over the next decade. So iconic was the fantasy piece that in 2005, Microcar collector Bruce Weiner chose model number 213, which was introduced in 2000. Number 213 is the most detailed of all the Whatta Drag models, finished in bright orange with a large Hot Wheels decal on top of the spoiler, and utilizing chromed 5-spoke wheels. Using the toy model as a blueprint, the basis of the project utilized the body shell from an original 1959 BMW Isetta. A new, sturdy frame was constructed using heavily welded steel tubing. Power is provided by a 502cid Chevrolet big block crate engine which utilizes 93 octane fuel and is equipped with a BDS supercharger, with Holley 750 CFM double-pumper carburetors and Zoomies exhaust headers that are rigged to shoot fames 4' out of the pipes. Power is transmitted via a 2-speed manual transmission. The dual circuit disc brake system also incorporates an AP balance bar for burnouts and donuts. In keeping with its BMW roots, the suspension is from an M3 and the chromed 5-spoke front wheels use the BMW Roundel logo and are shod with BFGoodrich G-Force tires. The single rear wheel is a custom drag racing wheel with a Sumitomo tire. Even the steering column was designed in such a way to pay homage to its Isetta parentage while also taking safety and ease of entry into account, including the incorporation of a quick-release racing steering wheel hub. Although Whatta Drag was created to be faithful to the model as well as fully functional, it is important to emphasize that this car is strictly for show and not to be used for road or track, the massive amount of torque produced by the Chevrolet 502 engine can be dangerous if driven improperly. As a showpiece it is totally unique and one of only a few Hot Wheels models to have been built in to a real car. **NOT STREET LEGAL, SOLD ON BILL OF SALE ONLY**