When it comes to mini cars, smart, mini cooper and Beatles may pop up in our minds. However, they are such big cars compared with BMW Isetta. In other words, BMW Isetta is the pedigree of mini cars.
BMW was plagued by deep depression to some extent in the early 1950s. The demand for cars was smaller than BMW motorcycles. But market analysts thought that people would buy a sedan to prevent wind and rain, so the demand for cars would increase finally. Then BMW had released 501 car, which began to provide customers with high speed and awesome luxury. But for most Germans, such kind of cars had apparently meant too much for them. In the early 1954, the main franchiser of BMW C.A.Drenowatz had discovered a motorcycle which resembled mini vehicles. That was the first sight of Isetta. In the autumn of 1956, BMW began to launch the export type of Isetta, which was a bit different from the Isetta sold in Germany. Then such Bubble car had prevailed the whole Europe. Isetta had become sought after sedans among customers.
The reason why such a little thing caught the eye of BMW was that the unique shape of Isetta. It was like an huge egg with four wheels around its body. Don’t think such little “egg” could hold nothing. It provided spacious seats and room for two grown ups plus with one kid. Besides, there was some space for laying your luggage. Aside from the unique features, Isetta could be put into producing quickly with a low cost.
Fiedler had summed up the five advantages of Isetta in cost. First, with only one door, the cost in production of the car body could be lowered. Second, though three wheels may be cheaper than four wheels, but it was stabler when driving a four-wheel Isetta. Therefore, Isetta had four wheels. As the two rear wheels were close, inter wheel differential was unnecessary to be equipped. Third, the well-build balance of Isetta was because the engine was put ahead of rear axle. Fourth, the suspension could be hung independently due to the two lateral intermediate axles under the car. Last but not least, the simple but unique design of the egg body need not complicated shape catering to the demand of seats and space. Thus, the cost would be lessened greatly.
Needless to say, another amazing merit of Isetta was its small size and cute body shape. With 2.28 metres long and 1.38 meters wide, Isetta had provided a wonderful sight for drivers. Moreover, It could be placed very well in the hustling and bustling downtown. Such great convenience brought by its delicate design was unrivaled with other big cars. It is no wonder that Isetta had become favourite sedan of ladies. The birth of Isetta had offered a big surprise for people. BMW was also proud of making the pedigree of mini cars which could meet the daily needs of common customers.