1956 Velam Isetta Microcar

1956 Velam Isetta Microcar
Chassis no. 103372
236cc Single-Cylinder, Twin-Piston 2-Stroke Engine
Single Solex Carburetor
10.5bhp at 4,500rpm
4-speed Manual Transmission
Independent Niemann Rubber Front Suspension, Quarter-Leaf Rear Suspension
4-Wheel hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Very rare, French-built under license from Isetta
*Unusual "Twingle" engine
*More attractive than original Isetta
*Very economical to operate

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Microcars, as they became known, were born in the aftermath of World War II, when Europeans were in desperate need of basic transportation. Often three-wheeled but sometimes four-wheeled depending on the local tax structure, these minimalist machines were designed to carry just one or two occupants and sip spoonsful of scarce and expensive fuel. These were usually powered by motorcycle or motorbike-derived engines of less than 700 cc. A few, such as the German Messerschmitt and Heinkel were called "Bubble cars" because of their airplane-like canopies. From Italy came the Vespa, a fairly conventional but very small car, and Renzo Rivolta's tiny Isetta, or Little ISO. This very unorthodox two-passenger egg-shaped machine was unique in its design, which placed a wheel at each front corner and two smaller wheels in the rear, just a few inches apart. The nose comprised a wide side-hinged door spanning the front which swung open to one side, carrying with it the steering wheel. This allowed the driver and passenger to clamber in or out. There were large windows and a sliding cloth top. In the tail was an air-cooled single-cylinder, two-piston engine displacing just 236 cc, producing a miniscule 10.5 horsepower. The original Isetta, built from 1953 to 1956, was licensed to a number of other countries, including France, where VELAM (Véhicule Léger á Moteur, or Light Vehicle with Motor) set up manufacturing in a former Talbot factory. Lacking proper stamping dies, VELAM created its own design, similar to ISO's but to many eyes, more attractive, and using a lightly modified Isetta engine. The German-licensed Isetta, on the other hand, used a larger BMW motorcycle engine. Production of the Velam Isetta ended in 1958 after 7115 examples had been built.

This adorable little Velam Isetta is among 4886 built in 1956, the little ISO's most successful year. Finished in white with a black and white tweed fabric interior, it is ready for its next adventurous owner to enjoy. This microcar was previous sold at Bonhams' 2015 Greenwich Concours sale, at which time it included an owner's manual, parts book, and some service records. It is sure to be the center of attention wherever auto enthusiasts gather.