1955-1962 BMW Isetta 300 – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021

If the Isetta 250 secured BMW’s survival, the BMW Isetta 300 refined the formula. Introduced shortly after the original 250, the 300 version offered slightly more power, improved drivability, and broader export appeal—without abandoning the microcar concept that had stabilized the company.

Technical Details:

The BMW Isetta 300 was powered by a rear-mounted, air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine derived from BMW motorcycle production. With a displacement of 298 cc, the engine produced approximately 13 horsepower at around 5,200–5,800 rpm, depending on specification and year. Though the increase over the 250’s 247 cc unit appears modest, the additional torque improved flexibility and hill-climbing ability.

Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox with reverse. As with other Isetta variants, the drivetrain was compact and lightweight, optimized for urban efficiency rather than high-speed travel. Top speed was typically around 85–90 km/h (53–56 mph), depending on gearing and road conditions.

The Isetta 300 featured a tubular frame with a steel body mounted on top. Independent front suspension and a simple rear suspension layout provided adequate comfort at moderate speeds. Hydraulic drum brakes were fitted on all wheels. Later production versions adopted a wider rear track compared to the earliest Isettas, improving stability and road handling.

• Manufacturer: BMW
• Model Name: BMW Isetta 300
• Year of Manufacturing: 1955–1962

Design:

The BMW Isetta 300 retained the defining feature of all Isettas: its single, front-hinged door. The entire front fascia—including the steering wheel mounted on a pivoting column—swung outward to allow access to the cabin. This unusual arrangement maximized practicality in tight city parking spaces and gave the Isetta its instantly recognizable character.

The rounded “bubble” body shape emphasized efficient use of space. Large windows and a compact footprint made the car well suited to dense urban environments. Compared to early narrow-track versions, many 300 models adopted slightly wider rear wheels, subtly altering the stance while maintaining the distinctive silhouette.

Inside, the cabin accommodated two occupants on a bench seat. Instrumentation was minimal, usually limited to a centrally positioned speedometer and essential warning lights. Trim levels varied between Standard and Export versions, with the latter offering improved upholstery and additional chrome detailing.

Historical Significance:

The BMW Isetta originated as an Italian design from Iso Rivolta, but BMW’s adaptation beginning in 1955 transformed it into a German-engineered product. At a time when BMW faced severe financial instability—due to limited sales of its larger luxury cars and a declining motorcycle market—the Isetta became the company’s core volume model.

The 300 version gradually replaced the 250 as the more popular variant, offering improved performance while remaining affordable. Between 1955 and 1962, more than 160,000 BMW Isettas were produced, with the 300 accounting for a substantial portion of total output. Revenue from these microcars was instrumental in stabilizing BMW and paving the way for future developments such as the BMW 700.

The Isetta 300 thus represents not merely an incremental technical upgrade but a crucial element in BMW’s postwar recovery strategy.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

Nicknamed the “bubble car,” the Isetta 300 became a symbol of 1950s European economic recovery. Its compact size, single-cylinder engine, and front-entry layout made it both practical and unconventional. Parking required careful positioning, as the only door was at the front; however, this same feature allowed drivers to exit directly onto the sidewalk in tight urban spaces.

Over time, the BMW Isetta gained a place in popular culture as a visual shorthand for postwar ingenuity and minimalism. Its distinctive shape and modest performance figures contrast sharply with BMW’s later high-performance reputation, adding to its historical appeal among collectors and enthusiasts.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Classic Expo Salzburg in 2021. As one of Austria’s premier classic car events, the show has established itself as a central meeting point for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts from across Central Europe. The 2021 edition took place at Messezentrum Salzburg and featured more than 250 exhibitors, along with a strong turnout of over 20,000 visitors. Attendees could explore a broad range of offerings—from historical vehicles and motorcycles to automobilia, spare parts, and literature.

Conclusion:

The 1955–1962 BMW Isetta 300 stands as the most developed expression of BMW’s microcar era. With its 298 cc single-cylinder engine, front-hinged door, and lightweight construction, it delivered practical mobility during a period of economic rebuilding. More importantly, the Isetta 300 played a decisive role in securing BMW’s financial stability. Compact, technically simple, and unmistakably original, it remains one of the most consequential small cars in automotive history.