Akmal Azhar
In the mid-1950s, BMW teetered on the edge of bankruptcy. The motorcycle business was failing, while luxurious models like the 503 and 507 were draining resources. The company urgently needed an affordable, mass-market vehicle to survive.
The Discovery of the Isetta
At the 1954 Turin Car Show, BMW executives discovered the Iso Isetta, a peculiar Italian microcar with an egg-like design and a front door that opened like a refrigerator. Sensing opportunity, BMW purchased the licensing rights and production tooling.
Transforming the Design
By April 1955, BMW launched its own version of the Isetta. The car received several updates: a fourth wheel instead of three, a 247 cc single-cylinder engine from the R25 motorcycle, and a unique steering column attached to the door that swung outward for easy access.
Compact Yet Affordable
The BMW Isetta measured just 7.5 feet in length and weighed only 350 kg. With a price of 2,550 German marks (around $1,450 USD), it became highly accessible. Most buyers could even drive it with only a motorcycle license, adding to its appeal.
A Lifeline for BMW
The Isetta’s launch proved an instant success. More than 10,000 units sold in its first year alone, and by the end of its production run in 1962, nearly 162,000 had been built. It became the world’s best-selling single-cylinder car and, crucially, saved BMW from financial collapse.
A Cultural Icon
Nicknamed the “bubble car,” the Isetta charmed the public with its playful design and futuristic look. Its refrigerator-like door and compact body made it a symbol of post-war ingenuity and optimism, earning a place in automotive history far beyond its modest size.
The Car That Saved BMW
The BMW Isetta was more than a quirky microcar—it was the savior of the brand. By providing affordability, originality, and a strong commercial boost, it kept BMW alive long enough to evolve into the global luxury automaker it is today.
Yusri Ng
