The Isetta, an emblem of innovative microcar design, was originally an Italian creation by Renzo Rivolta’s company, Iso. Introduced in the mid-1950s, the Isetta was unique with its bubble-like windows and front-entry door, which gave it the nickname “bubble car”. Rivolta, initially looking to offload this project to focus on more traditional cars, found a willing partner in BMW, a company struggling in the post-war economy and eager for a cost-effective vehicle to rejuvenate its lineup.
BMW’s acquisition of the Isetta was a turning point. They adapted the design, integrating their own engineering like the 250cc motorcycle engine and making slight modifications to the body, such as adjusting the headlamp position. The car, rebranded as the BMW Isetta, became a commercial success in Germany, with its production spanning from 1955 to 1962 and yielding over 160,000 units.
The Isetta’s success contributed significantly to BMW’s revival, laying the groundwork for future classics like the BMW 700 and later the Neue Klasse models. Today, the Isetta is celebrated not only for its quirky design but also as a critical stepping stone that helped BMW emerge as a premium automaker
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