The world`s cheapest car to buy and run
PERFORMANCE AND RUNNING ECONOMY
The Isetta will cruise " for ever " at 50 m.p.h. In a recent
test, it was found to have a consumption of 83 miles per gallon
at a steady speed of 30 m.p.h. Moreover, it is exceptionally
economical and simple to run in other ways. An air-cooled
engine: one sparking-plug only: a sump capacity of only
3 pints: only 6 greasing points - they speak for themselves.
With four forward synchromesh speeds (and one reverse gear)
the Isetta has remarkably quick acceleration. It is fitted with
Dunlop Long-life tubeless tyres.
EASY PARKING
Since its length is no more than average car width, it can be placed nose-on to the kerb, and is therefore the easiest car in the world to park.
PLENTY OF ROOM FOR LUGGAGE
A very large shelf behind the seat gives plenty of room for luggage or shopping, and in addition a luggage grid can be fitted as an optional extra.
MAINTENANCE AND SPARES
In designing the Isetta, particular attention has been given to
keeping costs of maintenance down to minimum. The
long-life tubeless tyres and the fully-tested, exceptionally
cheap-to-service engine are symptomatic of this principle.
Good spares service is assured, wherever you go, by the lsetta
world-wide Service Organisation with its works-trained
engineers. Larger tyre section all round to give same suspen-
sion efficiency as a four-wheeled model. Road tax only £5.
COMFORT
Isetta comfort sets a new standard among small cars. Its bench-type seat will hold three persons, giving plenty of un- obstructed leg room. With quarter-elliptic leaf springs and long-stroke telescopic hydraulic shock absorber at rear, and independently sprung front wheels, it gives an exceptionally smooth ride. The built-in draught-free and weatherproof 11 sunshine " roof can be folded right back, and there are sliding windows to give added ventilation. For winter a most efficient heater ensuring circulation of a continuous supply of fresh warm air is available as an optional extra on the standard models but is included in the specification of the PLUS model.
There is unrestricted all-round visibility, and the Isetta's " finish " is superb. Access is from the front; the door closes silently, and is fitted with a fingertip safety lock.
FROM THE DRIVER'S VIEWPOINT
Turn the Isetta's ignition-key starter and there is an immediate
response from the world-famous B.M.W. 295-c.c. 4-stroke
engine - even in the very coldest weather. This air-cooled,
overhead valve engine is acknowledged to be one of the most
robust and reliable in existence. Steering (left-hand drive) is
positive and accurate with quick reaction to parking
requirements.
The Lucas electrics are 12-volt, and the headlamps are
exceptionally powerful.
EQUIPMENT in 3-Wheeler PLUS and STANDARD models.
N. B. PLUS model has 7" headlamps, separate sidelamps, hub caps and grab handle.
ENGINE B.M.W. fan-cooled single-cylinder four stroke square engine.
Bore 72 mm. (2 -83 in.) DRIVING POSITION Left-handdrive.
Stroke 73 mm. (2 -87 in.) TYRE SIZE Front 4-80-IO.
Capacity 295 c.cm. (18 -30 cu. in.) Rear5-20-IO.ByDunlop.
Compression 7-0 to 1.
Power 13 b.h.p. BRAKES Three-wheel hydraulic brakes
Valves Overhead valves, push-rod by Girling. Brake diameter 7 in.
operated.
Lubrication Circulation system with gear DIMENSIONS
type pump. Track, front 47 -2 in. Overall length 89 -9 in.
Starter 12-volt dynamo starter. Wheelbase 58 -0 in. Overall height 52 -6 in.
Electrical Equipment 12-voltII30-watt Generator. WHEELS By Dunlop.
Engine Position Right-hand side, transverse WEIGHT
behind the seat. Kerb weight approx. 770 lb.
Clutch Single-plate dry clutch. Carrying capacity.. tiiprox. 507 lb.
TRANSMISSION B.M.W. four forward speeds and ROAD PERFORMANCE
reverse, gearbox attached to the engine. Maximum speed 52 miles per hour.
Final Drive: Resilient mounted drive shaft and Climbing ability First gear I in 3.
totally enclosed fully-adjustable chain drive in Fuel consumption 83 m.p.g. at steady 30 m.p.h.
oil-bath.
CHASSIS FRAME Rigid tubular chassis frame. EXTRAS Comprehensive range of extras available.
WHEEL SUSPENSION independentfront-wheel See supplementary list.
suspension, swinging arms, coil springs and OTHER MODELS There is also a Commercial
shock absorbers. Rear-wheel suspension, version of the Iselia and a fully hand-controlled car
quarter-elliptic leaf springs and telescopic for the disabled. Ask for details from your nearest
long-stroke hydraulic shock absorbers. Isetta agents.
Note-The manufacturers of the British-built Isetta reserve the right to introduce modifications in the
design of the Isetta without previous warning.
COLOURS
PLUS MODEL Imperial Red, Cardinal Red, Highway
Yellow, Riviera Blue, Azure Blue, Orchid and White.
Also duotone colours at L6 extra inc. p,t.
STANDARD MODEL Riviera Blue or Imperial Red.
Motor-cycle economy with all the comfort and safety
of a car . . .
that sums up the amazing Isetta in a nutshell.
The fact that it is small and nippy, ridiculously easy to park, cheap to run and maintain, and quite surprisingly roomy makes it the perfect family " second-car " - for going shopping, for getting to work or the station, for taking children to school. And it obviously appeals to business-men and sales representatives as the ideal run-around in big cities.
But the Isetta is very much more than a convenient small-car. Its magnificent performance, reliability, ease of maintenance and driving comfort mark it out as a car in its own right. For instance, an Isetta completed the gruelling 1,000-mile Mille Miglia race at an average speed of 49 -6 m.p.h. - a performance that was rightly acclaimed all over the world. And on official trial the
Isetta covered 2,350 miles from Sicily to Sweden in 62 hours, averaging 37 -9 m.p.h., stops included. On the Continent where over 100,000 have been produced, it is regularly driven on long motor-tours on every sort of road condition imaginable.
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 83 miks per gallon at constant 30 mp.h.
Specifications identical with the 3-wheel PLUS model with the following exceptions:
TYRE SIZE: 4 -80-10 Dunlop Tubeless on ALL WHEELS.
BRAKES: 4-wheel hydraulic brakes.
EQUIPMENT:
Built-in sun roof. Sliding windows. Twin rear lights. Illuminated number plate and brake stop light. Comprehensive tool kit under seat. Electric ignition starter. Hand dipper and trafficator controls. Double windscreen wipers. Large glove and papers pocket in front door panel 12-volt electrics by Lucas including 51" headlamps. Long-life Dunlop tubeless tyres. Front and rear bumpers with over-riders on rear. Heater and de-mister supplied as an extra.
DRIVING POSITION: Right-handdrive.
REPRESENTED BY:
BUILT IN BRITAIN
AT BRIGHTON,
SUSSEX