Rare BMW bubble car to go under the hammer
This unusual bubble design car was found buried under grime and leaves in a garage – and it could now fetch up to £7,000 at auction.
But anyone taller than 6ft would struggle to fit inside the Isetta, which experts believe has lay hidden and untouched for decades inside a garage at a Stourbridge home.
The rare car, which was made by BMW between 1955 and 1962 and features three wheels and a small 300cc engine, will soon go under the hammer at Fieldings Auctioneers in the town.
It has been described as a 'barn find', which is the term used by experts when a classic car or motorcycle has been discovered in a derelict condition.
Mark Hannam, auctioneer at Fieldings who discovered the car at a deceased estate, said the car would be one of the 'stars' of the show on February 4.
He said: "I found the car at the back of the garage, covered in leaves and grime and with the paint peeling off.
"The family have asked us to auction the car. We felt the car has been unused since the late 70s.
"It was painted in the colours of John Player Special cigarettes, which were gold and black. We feel this gives an indication of its age as the cigarette were popular in that period."
The bubble car is distinctive for its egg shape and bubble like windows. It became the worlds first produced car to achieve a fuel consumption of 94mpg.
The vehicle comes with a spare engine, gear box and exhaust parts. Auctioneers have given a price estimation of around £5,000 to £7,000.
The Isetta was first made by Iso in Italy between 1953 to 1956. It was then licensed to be made by VELAM, a former French car manufacturer, and Romi, a machine-tool manufacturer based in Brazil.
BMW was also given a license to manufacture its own version, but re-engineered much of the car.
Also going up for auction will be a Fairthorpe 1961 kit car, made from aluminium, that has an estimation of between £3,500-4,500.
"Both have been covered in grime and dust. With care and attention they can be restored to their former show room glory!"
A private number plate, with the registration '1 PFH' will also go under the hammer with an estimation of £15,000-20,000.
