A “Z-Mold” example with desirable head lamps.

SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Bayerische Motoren Werke

Origin: Munich, Germany

Production: 26,646

Motor: BMW 1-cyl, 4-stroke

Displacement: 249 cc

Power: 12 hp

Length: 7 ft. 6 in.

Identification No. 413940

Adapting the Iso Isetta for German production involved the substitution of the Iso motor for the BMW four-stroke single from the R 25/3 motorcycle. It was specially adapted for use in the Isetta and few parts were actually interchangeable.

This car provides a wealth of fascinating detail. Its serial number places it not long after the 10,000th car, number 410031, which was built on November 10, 1955. Appropriately, it is a transitional model falling just past the year change, combining the features of the 1955 and 1956 production cars. The stylish extended headlamp pods were a 1955-only feature, as was the plain, unlouvered motor access hatch. Yet, the two-tone finish separated by substantial and dramatic, chrome Z-molding was introduced in 1956, and the amber teardrop-shaped blinkers were changed for rectangular ones for that year.

This German-spec car has survived substantially in its original condition, with its colors being Light Blue over Cornflower Blue. The rare Hella BK 210 rear lamp is properly fitted into the hooded air intake in the tail, and the mirror is of the correct curved-arm Albert type. First series German cars like this one could also have had optional aluminum bumperettes at the base of the fenders.