1960 BMW Isetta 300

Highlights

• Matching numbers engine and chassis (A325434) verified by original buff logbook

• Genuine British-built three-wheel configuration

• Body-off restoration documented with invoices from 1999

• Original British Isetta Owner's Handbook included

• Recommissioned in 2016 with carburettor rebuild and brake system overhaul

Overview

Although a BMW, this is a British-built Isetta, manufactured in Brighton specifically for the UK market. The three-wheel configuration exploited tax regulations that classified it as a tricycle and allowed owners to drive it on a motorcycle licence. The V5C confirms the taxation class, and the original 1957-style buff logbook verifies first registration on 16th December 1960, the original Blue colour, and crucially, matching chassis and engine numbers: A325434.

Further details from the history include a detailed letter from 1999 documenting a comprehensive restoration: body straightening, strip to bare metal, full repaint, new interior trim, complete rewire, and underside wax-oiling. The invoices total over £2,500—serious money for an Isetta restoration a quarter of a century ago.

The car was then recommissioned in 2016 with a carburettor rebuild, new fuel lines, master cylinder replacement, copper brake pipe fabrication, and electrical safety work. Further roadworthiness preparation followed in 2019. 

Reportedly retained in the same family since it was bought for the seller’s wife’s 21st birthday, it’s being offered for reluctant sale due to downsizing. It will be supplied with a new battery and, although it could perhaps use a light cosmetic refresh in some areas, we think it’s an intriguing thing that would be a huge source of entertainment and a fantastic conversation-starter!

History and documentation

• First registered 16th December 1960 in Lindsey, Lincolnshire

• Original 1957-style buff logbook (Form R.F. 60) confirming matching chassis and engine number A325434, original Blue colour, and Tricycle taxation class

• Restoration documented in October 1999 letter detailing body straightening, strip to bare metal, repaint, new hood, interior re-trim, complete rewire, and underside wax-oiling at agreed price of £2,500 plus VAT

• Supporting restoration invoices from February and June 1999

• Recommissioning invoices from January and March 2016 documenting carburettor rebuild, battery replacement, fuel system strip and clean, master cylinder replacement, copper brake pipe fabrication, and electrical safety work

• Roadworthiness work invoice from June 2019

• Original British Isetta Owner's Handbook

• V5C registration document present showing zero former keepers - though the buff logbook shows 4 previous owners

• Period Fiat key with vintage leather fob

• Odometer shows 9,090 miles

Interior

• Left-hand drive layout, standard for British Isettas to balance the rear-mounted engine weight

• Beige fabric bench seat showing some staining and wear to the seat base; traditional coil spring and horsehair construction visible beneath

• Cream two-spoke steering wheel and gear knob displaying patina from use

• Black vinyl door cards and interior panels intact with light surface marks

• Grey-painted dashboard binnacle housing single circular speedometer reading to 60mph

• Black fabric roll-back sunroof section intact with no visible tears

• Exposed tubular frame elements painted in body colour

• Rubber pedal pads intact with age-appropriate wear

• Rear floor area showing surface rust staining around the fuel tank

Exterior

• Finished in red, changed from the original blue documented in the buff logbook

• British-specification three-wheel configuration

• Bodywork presenting with consistent panel gaps for the era

• 1999 restoration showing age-related marks, stone chips, and minor bubbling in lower areas including wheelarch lips

• Chrome headlight bezels showing some pitting and oxidation; Lucas glass lenses clear and undamaged

• Front door latch leather covering displaying cracking and deterioration

• Steel wheels with chrome hubcaps; corrosion visible at rim edges

• BF Goodrich Silvertown period-style crossply tyres fitted

• Black fabric sunroof panel intact; minor lifting at front corners

• Louvered engine ventilation grilles on rear quarters painted body colour

• Cobwebs visible in wheelarches indicating extended storage

• Underside showing surface corrosion on suspension components, brake drum backing plates, and floor pans consistent with age and storage

• Front luggage compartment floor pan showing surface rust around battery tray area

• Overall, it presents well and is very usable

Mechanical

• 298cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine producing approximately 13bhp

• Four-speed manual transmission with reverse

• Chain drive to solid rear axle with swing-arm suspension

• Carburettor rebuilt in 2016 with new fuel lines and inline glass-bowl fuel filter

• Master cylinder replaced and copper brake pipe fabricated in 2016

• 12-volt battery fitted during 2016 recommissioning; fresh item to be installed before sale

• Engine bay presenting with BMW casting marks visible; red HT ignition leads appear to be replacement items

• Mechanical check-over advisable before regular use

Summary

If you want an Isetta that'll generate smiles wherever it goes then they all do that. But if you also want one where you know what you're buying, where the numbers match, where the restoration is documented, where the original buff logbook sits in the glovebox rather than being "lost years ago" then this one is compelling.

This British-built three-wheeler offers the charm of the bubble car backed by the reassurance of long term ownership and supporting paperwork. It needs a gentle recommissioning after its recent rest, but the heavy lifting was done in 1999 and the foundations remain solid. For the collector who values provenance as much as personality, this is a rare find.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in North Lincolnshire.