Renaming his Isothermos brand as Iso Autoveicoli in 1950, his business then was the third largest two-wheel producer in Italy, behind Vespa and Lambretta.

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A decade or so later, using Chevrolet 327ci engines and gearboxes, Iso Autoveicoli would produce such extremely high-end sports touring cars as the Iso Rivolta IR 300, which won its class at Le Mans in 1965 with Renzo Rivolta at the wheel. ‘At the wheel of a car I enjoy myself only above 120 mph,’ he declared, a speed that would have been unlikely in his earlier Isetta 300.

Licensed outside Italy to assorted manufacturers, the Isetta was acquired for German build by BMW. Which is the case with the model we presently have at Beverly Hills Car Club, a 1957 BMW Isetta 300 finished in white over red, complemented by its color-match interior. The Isetta 300 is the second iteration of the Isetta and the most popular model among all BMW Isetta cars, making it a sought-after classic for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The car is powered by a 300cc engine and a 4-speed manual transmission. Entering its cabin through its unique front-door access, you then immerse yourself in the distinctive bubble-shaped design that so distinguishes the Isetta 300 from any rivals. The car is equipped with a range of features that include a white canvas sunroof, 3-spoke steering wheel, rear luggage rack, steel wheels, front bench seat, chrome nerf bars, sun visors, and a dash-mounted rearview mirror.

The name Isetta is the Italian diminutive form of Iso, meaning ‘little Iso.’ Because of its egg shape and bubble-like windows, it became known as a bubble car, a name also given to other similar vehicles.

The BMW Isetta became the world’s first mass-production car to achieve a fuel consumption of 94 mpg imperial or 78 mpg US. With 161,728 units sold, it was the top-selling single-cylinder car in the world.

The engineers Ermenegildo Preti and Pierluigi Raggi had designed a small car that used the motorcycle engine of the Iso Moto 200.

Despite such rudimentary origins, the Isetta caused a sensation when it was introduced to the motoring press in Turin in November 1953. It was unlike anything seen before. Small – only 7.5 feet long by 4.5 feet wide – and egg-shaped, with bubble-type windows, the entire front end of the car hinged outwards to allow entry. In the event of an accident, the driver and passenger would exit through the canvas sunroof. The steering wheel and instrument panel swung out with the single door, simplifying access to the single bench seat.

The seat provided reasonable comfort for two occupants and perhaps a small child. Behind the seat was a large parcel shelf with a spare wheel located below. A heater was optional. Ventilation was provided by turning the front triangle windows outwards and/or opening the fabric sunroof.

Power came from that two-stroke split-single motorcycle engine. The engine was started by a combination generator-starter known as Dynastart. A manual gearbox provided four forward speeds and reverse.

A chain drive connected the gearbox to a solid rear axle with a pair of closely spaced 9.8 inch rear wheels.

The first prototypes had one wheel at the rear, but having a single rear wheel made the car prone to roll-overs, so the rear wheel layout was changed to two wheels set 18.9 inches apart from each other. This narrow track eliminated the need for a differential. The front axle was a modified version of a Dubonnet independent front suspension.

The Isetta took around 30 seconds to reach 31 mph from rest. Top speed was about 47 mph.

In 1954 Iso entered several Isettas in the legendary Mille Miglia where they took the top three spots in the economy classification. Over a distance of 1,000 miles, the drivers achieved an average speed of over 43 mph.

Following a change in German regulations BMW felt obliged to revise the Isetta, leading to the Isetta 300 in February 1956, the version we presently have at Beverly Hills Car Club: a 300cc engine was introduced.

The maximum speed remained at 85 kmh – 53 mph – yet there was a marked increase in flexibility, chiefly noticeable on gradients.

On August 20 1966 Renzo Rivolta suddenly passed away, at the age of 58.

You can’t help thinking that Renzo almost closely personified how he had defined his revolutionary micro-car: half motorcycle, half car.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector looking to add a rare piece to your collection or a vintage car enthusiast seeking a unique driving experience, the BMW Isetta 300 we have at Beverly Hills Car Club is sure to impress.

You know it makes sense.

-Alex Manos, Owner