Indian Couple Takes Super Rare BMW Isetta For A Spin [Video]

Passion for Classic cars never dies. In a recent video shared on Instagram, we get to see a pristine example of a BMW Isetta aka Bubble car, being driven around in Dubai by a Malayali couple. The reel is gathering views and diverse reactions. It shows the couple getting into the tiny Isetta and driving around in Dubai.

 

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The drive likely took place sometime around the Onam festival (the caption says so). Keralites residing in the UAE find Onam an extra special occasion to celebrate. This couple chose to do so by taking the Isetta for a spin. The video shows the couple getting into the tiny Isetta wearing dual-tone Red-White paint. They then go for a night drive on the Dubai roads. We can get glimpses of the cabin and see how well-restored it is. The steering wheel, parts of the dashboard, rear view mirror etc can be seen.

The visuals also have detailed views of the exterior. The front, rear, and side views can be seen. This looks like a neat restoration that does justice to the OG vehicle. The comment section has many people reacting to the video. Most of them seem to be impressed and interested in possibly buying this car. The person in the video, asks them to get in touch with him privately, suggesting that he might have intentions to sell it as well.

 

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The person’s profile also has pictures and reels of other classic cars. Another reel shows a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette.

BMW Isetta

The Isetta is a tiny microcar produced by BMW from 1955 to 1962. It had its genes in the World War II. The post-war era needed a practical and affordable solution to transportation in Europe, which eventually led to the birth of Isetta.

In the UK, it was sold as a three-wheeler to get tax exemptions. It was tiny and soon came to be known as the ‘Bubble Car’. It was originally designed by Renzo Rivolta for the Italian Iso SpA company. BMW later acquired rights to manufacture it in Germany, seeing its potential.

BMW, however, made significant modifications to it and transformed it into the Isetta 250. The most important change was the addition of a fourth wheel, as the three-wheeler had severe stability issues and compromises.

Adding a fourth wheel into the tear-drop-shaped body improved road manners and handling. The three-wheeler version could be driven with a motorcycle license. The vehicle also benefitted from a lower road tax slab.

The microcar had a single-hinged door setup at the front which could be used to get in and out. It had a bubble canopy that slid forward to allow entry and exit and white wall tyres. The original Isetta was available in a variety of body styles, including a van and a pickup truck.

 

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The Isetta was featured in several movies and television shows, including “The Italian Job” and “The Simpsons.” It was discontinued in 1962 BMW 700. It was loved for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and easy manoeuvrability.

It was powered by a rear-mounted, single-cylinder, 247cc engine that produced 13 horsepower, allowing the Isetta to reach a top speed of around 55 mph. Despite its limited power, the Isetta’s lightweight construction and aerodynamic design made it surprisingly nimble and fuel-efficient.