Isetta Model cars - Collection of Scale Models in Stock

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Illustration Voitures Rétros Vintage France
The Isetta and its best-kept technical secret

Receive by email the little-known story that marked this iconic car brand and its model car models.

Did You Know? Anecdotes and Curiosities about our Miniatures

What makes the Isetta so special in automotive history?

The Isetta is nicknamed 'the egg car' due to its unique shape. It has a single front door that opens with the steering wheel attached, allowing the driver to enter directly from the front. This microcar was produced under license by several manufacturers, including BMW, making it an iconic model of the post-war era.

Why did the BMW Isetta become a symbol of economic rebirth?

The BMW Isetta, produced from 1955 to 1962, saved BMW from bankruptcy after World War II. With its fuel consumption of just 3 liters per 100 km and its affordable price, it provided many German families with access to automotive mobility during the German economic miracle.

What is the surprising origin of the Isetta's design?

The Isetta was originally designed by Italian engineer Renzo Rivolta in 1953 for the Italian marque Iso. The revolutionary design with its front door was intended to maximize space in an ultra-compact vehicle, a brilliant solution for an era when gasoline was expensive and parking space was limited.

How many people could travel in an Isetta and how?

The Isetta could accommodate two adults in the front and possibly two children on a narrow rear bench in some versions. Access was only via the front door, which sometimes created amusing situations when the passenger had to get out first to let the driver through!

What technical feature sets the Isetta apart from other cars of its time?

The Isetta used a motorcycle engine (a 236cc, later 298cc, 4-stroke single-cylinder) placed at the rear, with only 3 wheels in the early versions (2 closely spaced at the front and 1 at the rear). This configuration allowed it to be classified as a tricycle in some countries, reducing taxes and driving license requirements.