1960 BMW Isetta 300 Cabrio – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

A convertible with a single front door and a motorcycle engine sounds improbable, yet in 1960 BMW offered exactly that. The BMW Isetta 300 Cabrio combined microcar practicality with open-air motoring. It was a minimalistic interpretation of the cabriolet idea, adapted to the realities of postwar Europe.

Technical Details:

The 1960 BMW Isetta 300 Cabrio was powered by a rear-mounted, air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a displacement of 298 cc. Derived from BMW motorcycle engineering, this unit produced approximately 13 horsepower, offering slightly improved torque and drivability compared to the earlier 250 cc version.

Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox with reverse. The drivetrain was compact and lightweight, designed primarily for urban efficiency and low operating costs. Top speed was typically around 85–90 km/h (53–56 mph), depending on specification and road conditions.

The Isetta’s construction consisted of a tubular frame with steel body panels. Independent front suspension and a simple rear setup ensured adequate comfort at moderate speeds. Hydraulic drum brakes were fitted on all wheels. By 1960, most 300 models featured a wider rear track than the earliest narrow-track Isettas, improving stability and road handling.

• Manufacturer: BMW
• Model Name: BMW Isetta 300 Cabrio
• Year of Manufacturing: 1960

Design:

The BMW Isetta 300 Cabrio retained the defining design element of the Isetta family: a single, front-hinged door that incorporated the steering column. The entire front of the car swung outward to provide access to the two-seat cabin, making it one of the most unconventional entry systems ever used in a production automobile.

The “Cabrio” designation referred to its large folding canvas roof. Rather than a fully removable roof structure, the Isetta featured a retractable fabric sunroof that extended over much of the roof panel. When opened, it created an airy, open-top driving experience while preserving the structural integrity of the small body.

The rounded, bubble-like silhouette maximized interior space within a compact footprint. Large windows provided good visibility, and the cabin accommodated two occupants on a narrow bench seat. Instrumentation remained minimal, typically consisting of a centrally positioned speedometer and basic warning indicators. The Cabrio version added a lighter, more leisure-oriented character to the otherwise utilitarian microcar.

Historical Significance:

The BMW Isetta was introduced in 1955 under license from the Italian manufacturer Iso. At a time when BMW faced severe financial difficulties, the Isetta became its primary volume model. The 300 version gradually replaced the 250 as the more popular engine variant, offering improved flexibility and performance.

By 1960, the Isetta 300 Cabrio represented a mature stage of production. Between 1955 and 1962, more than 160,000 BMW Isettas were built. Revenue from these microcars was instrumental in stabilizing BMW and allowing the company to develop more conventional vehicles such as the BMW 700.

The Cabrio variant illustrates how BMW expanded the Isetta concept beyond purely basic transportation, adding an element of lifestyle appeal without significantly altering its mechanical simplicity.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The Isetta earned the nickname “bubble car” due to its rounded shape. The Cabrio version, with its folding canvas roof, enhanced this playful image. The combination of a front-opening door and open roof made it one of the most distinctive small cars of its era.

Parking required careful planning—if the car was positioned too close to an obstacle, the single door could not open fully. Yet in crowded city environments, the design often allowed drivers to exit directly onto the sidewalk. Over time, the Isetta 300 Cabrio has become a symbol of 1950s and early-1960s European ingenuity, frequently displayed in museums and classic car collections.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Retro Classics Stuttgart in 2022. This car show is one of the major events on the classic car calendar in Germany. In 2022, it took place across five exhibition halls. Visitors can enjoy special showcases, hunt for rare parts and books, and buy cars—both private sellers and dealers offer a wide range of classic and youngtimer vehicles. In 2022, there was a noticeable increase in low-mileage youngtimers and classic cars.

Conclusion:

The 1960 BMW Isetta 300 Cabrio stands as a unique expression of microcar creativity. Equipped with a 298 cc single-cylinder engine, front-hinged door, and large folding canvas roof, it combined economy with a touch of open-air freedom. More than a curiosity, it formed part of the broader Isetta program that secured BMW’s financial stability during a critical period. Compact, unconventional, and technically resourceful, the Isetta 300 Cabrio remains a defining icon of postwar mobility.