In this tale, BMW's salvation was attributed to the Isetta, a small, innovative vehicle.

BMW's Playful Hero Turns 70: The Enduring Charm of the Isetta

BMW's unexpected revival through the iconic Isetta mini-car's success.

The tiniest, heart-stealing, pocket-sized vehicles with a charming Italian heritage still capture our hearts today, and in this tale, we're talking about something other than the Fiat 500. Yes, you heard it right; we're diving into the enchanting history of the legendary BMW Isetta, a compact automobile with a spy-like mystique that once granted BMW a fresh lease on life. Let's take a ride down memory lane and unveil how this little powerhouse managed to steal the show and secure BMW's future.

With its captivating 2.28-meter frame, splashy shades, and head-turning appeal, the vibrant BMW Isetta continues to bewitch our senses even after 70 years. And who wouldn't be charmed? After all, modern-day automobile enthusiasts can't help but feel the tantalizing allure of the Microlino—the futuristic offspring of the iconic Isetta, showcasing the timeless elegance of its forefather.

Nostalgia whispers tales of an era long past when the iconic Minimal Motorbikes dominated, and the Isetta took center stage. Born far away in the heart of Italy, the kugelige Herzensbrecher played a formidable role when BMW stumbled upon this quirky, kugel-shaped vehicle with a motorcycle powertrain. BMW needed a break; their financial success was dwindling. By the 1950s, a mere 5,400 BMW motorcycles were being sold annually compared to the 30,000 units of yesteryears. The all-powerful V8 vehicles were no longer the cash cows they once were. BMW was in dire need of a new source of income to fuel their engines.

And then, at the Turin Auto Show in the early 1950s, fortune struck: the enchanting sounds of the Iso Isetta echoed through the halls. The cute, compact, and uber-practical automobile proved to be the ticket BMW needed. A deal was signed, and the BMW Isetta found its way to German shores.

The Elvis Connection

Step back in time to the year 1954, where the German economic powerhouse was drowning in the sweet, mellifluous sounds of rock 'n' roll. Listen closely to the transistor radios blasting That's All Right Mama and feel the rhythm that would redefine modern music.

But did you know that the King of Rock 'n' Roll himself, Elvis Presley, would soon become a BMW brand ambassador? Fast forward a few years, and Elvis was the proud owner of two magnificent auto masterpieces produced by the BMW stable: the V8-powered V8 Roadster 507 and his beloved Isetta. Good ol' Elvis sure knew how to make an entrance!

Reigniting the BMW Engine

BMW's introduction of the compact, adorable, and versatile Isetta re-energized their flagging sales in a spectacular manner. The small bundle of joy sparked an upward trajectory in BMW's fortunes, eventually allowing the company to triumph over the dire straits that threatened their existence.

Interestingly, the Isetta wasn't initially a German design; instead, it was originally conceived by the Italian company Iso SpA. License agreements allowed for its production under different brand names across the globe. When BMW spotted the Isetta at the Turin Auto Show, they realized they had hit the jackpot.

BMW custom-tweaked the Iso Isetta design to suit their brand image and integrated a four-stroke single-cylinder engine from their motorcycle lineup into the chassis. The humble, pocket-friendly vehicle that boasted an appealing exterior and a snappy 12 PS under the hood, became a part of BMW's core lineup. It's safe to say the Isetta rescued BMW from the brink of financial ruin and set them on the path to success.

Fast Facts About the Iconic Isetta:

The Isetta earned its cult status in large part due to the practicality and irresistible charm of its design.
Companies worldwide acquired licenses to produce the Isetta, including France's Velam, Spain's Iso Espana, Great Britain's Isetta of Great Britain, Brazil's Romi-Isetta, and Argentina's De Carlo Isetta.
Introduced in 1955, the original Isetta boasted a 2.29-meter length, a 1.5-meter wheelbase, and a curb weight of just 350 kg.
With a 250 cc engine capable of producing 12 PS, the Isetta targeted holders of the old driving license class IV.
In 1957, the Isetta 300 made an appearance, offering a more robust engine that increased output to 13 PS and made the vehicle suitable for long trips, such as holiday getaways to Italy, the dreamland of the time.
The Isetta, with its foldable convertible top serving as a mandatory emergency exit, made vacation dreams attainable for many young families, costing a mere 2550 marks, nearly a third less than a VW Beetle.
Dubbed the "love ball" (Liebersonate), BMW's little Isetta earned a staggering 161,728 sales over its production run from 1955 to 1962.

Ride along as we trudge through the BMW Isetta's rich history, taking in the fascinating developments, controversies, and riveting stories that form the foundation of the vehicle's enduring legacy.

Timeline of the BMW Isetta:

1948: BMW resumes the production of motorcycles after World War II.
April 1951: BMW's Board of Management approves the construction of the luxury model BMW 501.
April 17, 1951: The BMW 501 makes its debut at the IAA in Frankfurt. A lack of body production facilities stalls mass production until November.
November 1952: Production of the BMW 501 begins, using bodies supplied by Stuttgart-based coachbuilder Baur, with a list price of 15,150 marks, making the BMW 501 the second most expensive sedan model produced in Germany at the time.
1953: Registration of Iso Autoveicoli S.P.A., the vehicle brand behind the Iso Isetta. Initial production focuses on the three-wheeled Iso Isetta Turismo model.
1954: The BMW Isetta holds the stage at the Geneva Motor Show as its mass-produced V8 light metal engine debuts. Meanwhile, clouds gather above the once-flourishing BMW motorcycle business. BMW commences a global search for its next mass-market success. Iso SpA licenses the Isetta design to several international companies, including France (Velam), Spain (Iso Espana), Great Britain (Isetta of Great Britain), Brazil (Romi-Isetta), and Argentina (De Carlo Isetta).
March 1955: The unveiling of the BMW Isetta 250; its production commences in April.
November 20, 1955: BMW delivers its 10,000th Isetta, marking a significant milestone. The daily production rate is now 120 vehicles per day, causing a backlog and extending delivery times to over a month.
February 1956: The Isetta 300 enters production, equipped with a standard handbrake. In October, the BMW Isetta Export is introduced with sliding side windows and a smaller, safety-glass rear window, phasing out pop-out windows. The exclusive use of telescopic shock absorbers replaces friction dampers on the front axle.
June 1956: BMW exports a single Isetta to the USA. The automobile is thoroughly tested and subjected to numerous modifications, including different headlights. BMW sells 1,000 Isetta units in the USA during the same year. The Isetta is the most popular microcar on the German market.
1957: BMW increases production yet again. By January, the 40,000th Isetta has been delivered. The remaining Isetta Standard stocks are sold at a discounted price of 2,490 marks as the Isetta Standard '57. The more expensive BMW 600 goes into series production in December, continuing the tradition of motorcycle-powered vehicles.
1959: By November, production of the BMW 600 comes to an end, marking the beginning of the BMW 700 in "Ponton" form. Around 1,500 BMW Isetta models are produced as three-wheelers for export markets to take advantage of tax benefits.
1962: The Isetta era concludes with the production of the 161,728th unit. The 1962 board report notes: "Isetta production ran smoothly after restocking inventory in May."
2016: The debut of the Microlino No. 1 at the Geneva Motor Show rouses interest, reminiscent of the Isetta, featuring a design inspired by the iconic vehicle. Developed by Micro Mobility Systems in collaboration with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, the Microlino is anticipated to cost around 11,000 euros at launch, including a 11-kWh battery for 120 km range. Production costs will run slightly higher at 19,900 euros for the series version, while the 45 km/h limited lightweight vehicle L6e will retail for 17,900 euros.
2019: The Iso Isetta and BMW Isetta narratives take center stage in the ZDF family chronicle "Bella Germania."
2022: The Microlino manufacturer files a copyright infringement lawsuit against the provider of a similar vehicle.
2025: The introductory version of the Microlino makes its debut at the Brussels Motor Show, followed by the Microlino Spiaggina entries into series production in the fall of 2024. Amidst the festivities, BMW celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Isetta. The BMW Museum boasts a continual exhibitions of special Isetta models, including an electrified Isetta, honoring the vehicle's legacy.

The all-powerful German automotive industry found a lifeline in the Isetta, a tiny Italian-born vehicle that revolutionized BMW's fortune. In the face of dwindling sales of motorcycles and V8 vehicles, the Isetta, with its motorcycle powertrain and captivating design, became a much-needed source of income for the company. The Isetta's collision with the BMW finance department soon secured a promising future for the brand. Later, the Microlino, a futuristic replica of the Isetta, showcased the timeless elegance of its forefather in the modern-day transportation industry.