Description
The ISO Isetta was a microcar produced by the Italian manufacturer Iso SpA starting in 1953. Designed as an affordable, compact car for post-war Europe, it became iconic for its egg-shaped body and unique front-opening door. The Isetta was powered by a small 236 cc two-stroke engine that produced around 9.5 horsepower, which gave it a top speed of about 75 km/h (47 mph). Its lightweight construction and efficient design made it an ideal urban vehicle, offering great fuel economy and manoeuvrability in tight spaces.
The Isetta’s design was later licensed to other manufacturers, including BMW, which made the model more famous worldwide under the BMW Isetta name. While the BMW version had a larger engine and slight design modifications, the original ISO Isetta remains a significant example of early microcar innovation. Today, it is a beloved classic, often seen at car shows and in collections for its quirky design and historical value.