1955-1962 BMW Isetta 250 Export – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
Not all Isettas were the same. While the Standard version embodied strict minimalism, the BMW Isetta 250 Export added refinement and export-market appeal to the same compact formula. Built between 1955 and 1962, it demonstrated how a microcar could evolve beyond basic mobility into a more comfortable and internationally viable product.
Technical Details:
The BMW Isetta 250 Export was powered by the same rear-mounted, air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine used in the standard 250 model. With a displacement of 247 cc, the engine produced approximately 12 horsepower at around 5,800 rpm. Derived from BMW motorcycle technology, this compact power unit emphasized efficiency and reliability over outright performance.
A four-speed manual gearbox with reverse transmitted power to the rear wheels. As with other Isetta variants, the drivetrain layout was compact and lightweight, contributing to the car’s modest fuel consumption and ease of maintenance. Top speed was typically around 85 km/h (53 mph), sufficient for urban and short-distance interurban travel.
The Isetta’s construction combined a steel body with a tubular frame. Early versions retained the closely spaced rear wheels, though later developments included wider rear track configurations to improve stability. Independent front suspension and simple rear suspension components were designed for low-speed maneuverability rather than high-performance driving. Hydraulic drum brakes were fitted at all four corners.
- Manufacturer: BMW
- Model Name: BMW Isetta 250 Export
- Year of Manufacturing: 1955–1962
Design:
The defining visual feature of the BMW Isetta 250 Export remained its single, front-hinged door. The entire front section—including the steering column—swung outward to provide access to the cabin. This unconventional entry system maximized usability in narrow urban spaces and became the Isetta’s most recognizable trait.
Compared with the Standard version, the Export model offered improved trim and equipment. Exterior details often included additional chrome accents and more refined badging, while interior finishes were upgraded. Better seat upholstery, improved sound insulation, and slightly enhanced fittings distinguished the Export variant from the more basic domestic specification.
The compact, rounded “bubble” body shape optimized interior space within minimal external dimensions. Large windows provided excellent visibility and reinforced the airy character of the cabin. Despite its small size, the Isetta Export maintained practical usability for two occupants and light luggage.
Historical Significance:
The BMW Isetta originated from an Italian design by Iso Rivolta, but BMW adapted and refined it beginning in 1955. At that time, BMW faced severe financial pressure due to limited sales of its larger saloons and declining demand for motorcycles. The Isetta became the company’s most important volume product.
The Export version reflected BMW’s growing ambition to market the car beyond the domestic German market. By enhancing comfort and presentation, BMW made the Isetta more attractive to international customers, including those in Europe and overseas markets. Between 1955 and 1962, more than 160,000 Isettas were produced in total, with the 250 model forming a substantial portion of that output.
Revenue from Isetta sales stabilized BMW during a critical phase and provided the foundation for later model development, including more conventional compact cars such as the BMW 700.
Quirks and Pop Culture:
The BMW Isetta earned the nickname “bubble car” because of its rounded, almost spherical shape. Its front-entry layout created a unique ownership experience: if parked too close to a wall, exiting the car could be difficult. At the same time, the design allowed drivers to step directly onto the sidewalk in tight urban settings.
The Export variant’s additional trim did little to disguise the car’s minimalist character, yet it broadened its appeal. In period photographs and films of the late 1950s, the Isetta frequently appears as a symbol of practical modernity during Europe’s economic recovery. Today, collectors often distinguish carefully between Standard and Export versions, appreciating the subtle differences in equipment and finish.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at Motorworld Classics Bodensee in 2022. This event, held in Friedrichshafen, is a popular gathering for classic car enthusiasts in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The 2022 edition featured over 800 exhibitors spread across multiple halls and open-air spaces, offering a vibrant mix of vintage automobiles, motorcycles, boats, and aircraft. Visitors could explore restoration workshops, parts markets, and club presentations. A key highlight was the live vehicle auctions and dynamic driving demonstrations on the event grounds. The show reaffirmed its reputation as a hands-on celebration of classic mobility culture.
Conclusion:
The 1955–1962 BMW Isetta 250 Export represents an important evolution of one of the most unconventional cars of the postwar era. Retaining its 247 cc single-cylinder engine and distinctive front-hinged door, it added improved comfort and presentation for broader market appeal. More than a novelty, the Isetta 250 Export contributed directly to BMW’s financial stabilization and long-term survival. Compact, efficient, and technically inventive, it remains a defining icon of mid-century European mobility.
