The Isetta is the brand name of the most famous 'bubble car' initially produced by the Italian company 'Iso'. It is a mini car characterized by a single door at the front and a narrow track at the rear. The material shortages after the Second World War led to the great popularity of compact cars, often with three wheels. There was a need for covered transport, but there were not yet many requirements for luggage space or safety. The Isetta and also the Messerschmitt showed futuristic design with their cockpit-like bodywork and convex windows. BMW had also resumed car production after the war, but their cars were too expensive and too exclusive to lead to large sales figures. The public wanted affordable cars, and BMW recognized that gap in the market. In 1955, BMW bought a license to produce the Isetta. The two-stroke engine could easily be replaced by a 250cc motorcycle engine with 12 hp and other optical and technical details were improved. In a unique concept, the door was placed at the front, causing the steering wheel and dashboard to fold out. The driver and his passenger could, as it were, walk into the car. Together with the Goggomobil and the Messerschmitt Kabinenroller, the Isetta was a very successful car of its kind. Production at BMW was stopped in 1962, more than 160,000 units had been built until then. Today, original Isettas are offered for sale for high prices. Image size: 260 x 360mm.