1959 BMW Isetta 300 Micro Car, Registration no. NPR 640 Chassis no. A318035

One of the more successful designs of the cabin scooter's heyday was the BMW Isetta, a design the German firm manufactured under license from its Italian originator, Iso. Although at first glance a three-wheeler, the German-built Isetta used a pair of closely spaced wheels at the rear and was powered by a single-cylinder four-stroke motorcycle engine of 247cc. Early examples featured a side-hinged single door at the front, roll-top sunroof, and fixed side windows, while the steering wheel and dashboard were attached to the door to facilitate entry. The two-seater Isetta's most popular accessory, understandably so given the limited interior space, was a small luggage rack at the rear. Later (1957-onwards) models incorporated sliding side windows for better ventilation. These improved models displaced 297cc, and the 'big' Isetta 300 was reckoned capable of 65mph and 55mpg. Production ceased in 1962.
The vendor purchased this left-hand drive three-wheeler Isetta in 2007 and has been improving and restoring it ever since. Works include fitting a new floor; a bare-metal re-spray in original blue; and fitting the engine with new valves for unleaded compatibility. The car is driven circa every two weeks (only when the weather is dry) and usually goes to shows by trailer. Photos of restoration and re-spray are available, and the car also comes with numerous receipts, boxes of Isetta Gazettes, V5C Registration Certificate, and copies of the workshop manual and owner's handbook.