click to enlarge
1957 Isettacarro

Renzo Rivolta's little Iso Isetta, immediately attracted attention, and licenses were granted to build them in several countries. Two models were offered - the little egg-shaped Turismo with narrow 50cm rear track, and the Type Autocarro, a commercial version with full-width rear axle.

The Autocarro was offered in several body styles, a flatbed pickup, enclosed truck (Furgone Commerciale), a tilt-bed, or even a fire engine!

This was an extremely popular type of vehicle in Italy, and numerous manufacturers produced some variant of the type. This included Iso themselves, having previously (1950-1953) produced a motorcycle-type Isocarro. The Iso Autocarro was larger than most, with its four-wheel layout, proper rear axle with differential and leaf springs, and massive tube frame. It was good for a 500 to 600 kg load. The name Isetta Autocarro was also used.

This is an example of the Isettacarro built under license in Spain by Iso motor Italia, Madrid. In the late fifties, the company became associated with Borgward-Iso Espanola SA, with German connections, and later changed its name to the latter.

This car was a treasured "family member" of the Pallas family since its purchase from new, but it was deemed prudent to put it in the hands of the club in order that it be properly cared for. This move was regretted later, as the car was restored without the attention to originality that the family had taken such great pains to preserve over the years. For the record, M.Pallas states that the car should be gray, has had two lights replaced, should not have the Iso Espana badge on the front, should not have radial tires, the emblem on the wheel is 45 degrees off, and now has a reverse light. The carefully preserved original interior was discarded and replaced with new. The original steering wheel is claimed to be the only one surviving.

Manufacturer: Iso Motor Italia SA, Madrid Spain

Model: 500 Motor: Iso, 2-stroke Body: Steel
Years Built: 1954 - 1958 No. Cylinders: 1 (Double Piston) Chassis: Tube
No. Produced: 4,900 Displacement: 236 cc Suspension Front: Dubonnet
No. Surviving: Horsepower: 9.5 Suspension Rear: Leaf Spring
Length: 11' 6" Gearbox: 4 + rev. Steering: Worm
Width: 4' 10" Starter: Electric Brakes: Hydraulic
Weight: 9.75 cwt Electrics: 12 v 4 Wheels: 5.20 x 10"
Interior: Bench Ignition: Coil Top Speed: 35 mph

© 2002