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1958 Iso Isetta (Spanish built)

With sales of his refrigerators (Isothermos) declining, Renzo Rivolta turned to making scooters in three versions: the Isoscooter, Isomoto and 3-wheeled Isocarro (no relation to the later truck). Competition from Vespa and Lambretta forced a change of plans, however.

He gave M. Gobini carte-blanche to design a totally original vehicle. A cute, round shape, with side by side seating, it was a sensation at the 1953 Turin auto show. Licenses were quickly sold to Belgium, France, Spain, Brazil and Germany.

Major differences to the familiar later BMW bubble window were the engine cover with vertical slots, headlamps positioned low on the front fenders (with parking lamps on top), flush fitting door handle, Dubonnet suspension, and two-stroke twin piston engine providing a distinctive sound.

This example was built in Spain under license from Iso.

Today, these cars are rare collector’s items.

Manufacturer: Iso Motor Italia S.A., Madrid Spain

Model: Isetta Motor: Iso, 2-stroke Body: Steel
Years Built: December 1953 - 1958 No. Cylinders: 1 (Double Piston) Chassis: Tube
No. Produced: 6,000 Displacement: 236 cc Suspension Front: Dubonnet
No. Surviving: n/a Horsepower: 9.5 Suspension Rear: Leaf Spring
Length: 7' 6" Gearbox: 4 + rev. Steering: Worm
Width: 4' 10" Starter: Dynastart Brakes: Hydraulic
Weight: 6.75 cwt Electrics: 12 v 4 Wheels:
4.50-4.80 x 10"
Interior: Bench Ignition: Coil Top Speed: 45 mph

© 2002