Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Entire inventory of Microcar Museum to be auctioned]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/20/entire-inventory-of-microcar-museum-to-be-auctioned/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/20/entire-inventory-of-microcar-museum-to-be-auctioned/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/20/entire-inventory-of-microcar-museum-to-be-auctioned/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Bruce Weiner's Microcar Museum in Madison, Georgia is said to be the largest collection of little cars in the world, and they're all rolling over the RM Auctions block February 15-16, 2013. Weiner spent 15 years assembling the 200-strong bounty, and beyond the size of the collection RM Auctions says many of ladybug-sized vehicles are of exceptional rarity or in the best condition or the most unusual, and are headed to auction for the first time.

The BMW Isetta is practically a base commoner compared to the rare nobility in the collection, like the 1957 Messerschmitt - yes, that Messerschmitt - KR201 and Messerschmitt Tiger, the Goggomobil Transporter, Voisin Biscooters and the world's single Mivalino. Nevertheless, there are some special Isetta's in the fold, including a German police version, a pickup and an Isetta turned into a Hot Wheels build called the "Whattadrag" with a 502-cubic-inch Chevrolet engine boasting 730 horsepower.

Alongside the hundreds of cars will go hundreds of collectibles from the 1940s to 1960s, like neon signs, kiddie rides, scale models, vending machines and candy dispensers. There's a press release below, with a video on the auction and a clip on the museum from the History Channel's Modern Marvels.

Continue reading Entire inventory of Microcar Museum to be auctioned

Entire inventory of Microcar Museum to be auctioned originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionbmwgeorgiaisettaMesserschmittmicrocarrm auctionsthe bruce weiner microcar museumThu, 20 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20326000/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/20/entire-inventory-of-microcar-museum-to-be-auctioned/20326000/article-detail.xml 20326000 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/rmauctionmicrocar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/rmauctionmicrocar.jpg <![CDATA[BMW Isetta gets reimagined as the eSetta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/bmw-isetta-gets-reimagined-as-the-esetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/bmw-isetta-gets-reimagined-as-the-esetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/bmw-isetta-gets-reimagined-as-the-esetta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

eSetta

The venerable Isetta was tiny, cheap and nimble transportation in post-World-War-II Europe. In this day of $4-a-gallon gas, could a similar car be an attractive alternative? That's the question University of Applied Arts graduate Tony Weichselbraun asked as he endeavored to imagine a modern Isetta.

Tony calls his interpretation the eSetta, with the "e" indicating an electric motor in place of the original Isetta's gasoline-powered motorcycle engine. Such a small package couldn't hold much of a battery pack, but it doesn't need to in Tony's plan. The eSetta would be part of a car sharing system where the little cars would be charged via induction stations where the eSetta could be borrowed and returned.

For now, the eSetta is only a concept, but its familiar retro look and frugal philosophy could do well for short trips in a compact urban center.

BMW Isetta gets reimagined as the eSetta originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptdesign studyelectric carelectric isettaesettainductive chargingisettaTony WeichselbraunWed, 25 Apr 2012 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20217449/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/25/bmw-isetta-gets-reimagined-as-the-esetta/20217449/article-detail.xml 20217449 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/esetta-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/esetta-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Inside Line attempts to name 100 Worst Cars of All Time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/inside-line-attempts-to-name-100-worst-cars-of-all-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/inside-line-attempts-to-name-100-worst-cars-of-all-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/inside-line-attempts-to-name-100-worst-cars-of-all-time/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Inside Line is at it again, this time with a list of the 100 worst cars ever made. While we were pretty pleased with the website's choices for its 100 best earlier this year, this one is somewhat less satisfying, which is to be expected.

Calling out the bad eggs is indeed trickier and more fraught with potential missteps than merely committing sins of omission. So yes, we've got our beef with a few of the cars listed. The General Motors EV1 at #92? That's like calling out Gottleib Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach for not building a flying car. The Porsche 914 at #45? Hardly. If you want to pick on a Porsche, why not the 924? Speaking of which, putting the BMW Isetta on the list (#3) is like bullying a kindergartener. And don't even get us started on the inclusion of the Ariel Atom, at #94 or any other number.

Despite our quibbling, the list is a lot of fun - and sure to bring back "fond" memories for those who've had the misfortune of owning Iron Duke-powered GM products or tried to convince others that a Renault Fuego qualifies as a sports car. After devouring all 100 entries, we can say with certainty that there are far more "worthy" of inclusion here, and encourage you to name names in the comments.

And before anyone gets upset that our lede photo spills the beans on the "winner," ask yourself, is there any other vehicle that could possibly top such a list?

Inside Line attempts to name 100 Worst Cars of All Time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100 worst cars of all time914ariel atomaztekbmwbmw isettaedmunds inside lineev1inside lineisettapontiacpontiac aztekporscheporsche 914worst carsWed, 14 Dec 2011 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127123/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/14/inside-line-attempts-to-name-100-worst-cars-of-all-time/20127123/article-detail.xml 20127123 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/x04pnaz001_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/x04pnaz001.jpg <![CDATA[A behind-the-scenes look inside the BMW Classic warehouse]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/27/a-behind-the-scenes-look-inside-the-bmw-classic-warehouse/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/27/a-behind-the-scenes-look-inside-the-bmw-classic-warehouse/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/27/a-behind-the-scenes-look-inside-the-bmw-classic-warehouse/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW Classic in Munich - Click above for high-res image gallery

Located just a short distance from the BMW Museum and Welt (famous as the company's European delivery center) in Munich, Germany, is BMW Classic. According to the German automaker, "BMW Classic coordinates all activities that are connected with the company's varied and successful history covering everything from the historical archives, assortment of aeroplanes, communication, the museum and BMW's role in the international club scene." In a nutshell, BMW Classic is tasked with archiving, restoring and preserving the company's ninety-year manufacturing history.

Earlier this year, the BMW Classic Center opened its doors to the public offering a full range of classic parts, restoration services and vehicle authentication. While local dealerships will continue to stock late model parts and accessories, BMW Classic is tasked with keeping an inventory part supply for vehicles (including motorcycles) that are generally more than fifteen years old. Not only are 30,000-plus components kept on hand, but the tooling that is relevant for subsequent fabrication is held at the facility as well. In addition, there are on-site restoration services, using 100 percent original parts, upholstery and paint, at prices that are very competitive to local shops (especially when you consider that BMW Classic Center is a one-stop shop for a turn-key restoration process).

While the downstairs shop area is in a constant flurry of activity, the multi-story warehouse - where much of the really good stuff is stored - is unfortunately closed to the public. However, thanks to a special invite, Autoblog was recently escorted on a private behind-the-scenes tour of the facility.

Viewed from the outside, the building is nothing spectacular. Yet, hidden inside its concrete walls are several floors of immaculately restored and preserved engines, motorcycles and automobiles. In addition to some of the company's most classic offerings, such as the BMW 507 and BMW 328, we stumbled over Isetta microcars and mint-condition 2002 race cars. We found the famed E53 X5 fitted with a V12 LMR powerplant (the 700 horsepower SUV clocked a record-setting 7:49 lap around Nürburgring at the hands of Hans Stuck nearly a decade ago) and a pristine street-ready McLaren F1 (parked yards away from its race-ready F1 GTR siblings). Look past the James Bond's genuine E38 7 Series (with highly-custom rear-seat driving controls), and you will see the fluorescent orange nose of the 1972 BMW Turbo Concept - the vehicle that inspired the BMW M1, arriving just five years later.

Our favorite has got to be an unassuming 1987 E32 7 Series, (aka the "Goldfish" 767), fitted with a prototype 6.7-liter V16 rated at 408 horsepower. The only hint to its potency are custom gill-like air intakes on each rear quarter panel - its massive engine is so long that the engineers were forced to move its cooling system to the trunk.

Take a long look through our extensive gallery, and let us know which ones are your favorites.


Gallery: BMW Classic Warehouse

BMW E92 M3 GT2McLaren F1 GTRMcLaren F1 GTRMcLaren F1 GTR

Photos copyright (C)2010 Michael Harley / AOL

A behind-the-scenes look inside the BMW Classic warehouse originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWBMW 7 Series V16BMW Classicbmw classic centerbmw classic motorsportbmw classicsbmw motorcyclebmw motorcyclesbmw motorradBMW Motorsportbmw motorsportsBMW MuseumBMW Turbo ConceptBMW WeltBMW X5 V12 LMRF1featuredGermanyisettaJames Bondm1MunichTourWarehousez8Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19679410/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/27/a-behind-the-scenes-look-inside-the-bmw-classic-warehouse/19679410/article-detail.xml 19679410 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/bmwclassic630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/bmwclassic630.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: BMW will create new electric vehicle sub-brand ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/bmw-will-create-new-electric-vehicle-sub-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/bmw-will-create-new-electric-vehicle-sub-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/bmw-will-create-new-electric-vehicle-sub-brand/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has confirmed to Reuters that its future electric cars will be badged as BMWs. This contradicts some earlier rumors that the automaker would revive another brand such as Triumph or Isetta for its electric vehicles.

The company will stick with its existing BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce marques, but Reithofer revealed that the board has voted to create a sub-brand for electric vehicles. This new sub-brand will be similar to BMW's seperate marketing of the "M" line of vehicle, will be targeted at urban drivers and include a two wheeler. The first of these new vehicles will likely start appearing sometime around 2012-13.


Gallery: Quick Drive: MINI E


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: BMW will create new electric vehicle sub-brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw electric carbmw electric scooterbmw electricsbmw evbmw sub-brandBmwElectricCarBmwElectricsBmwElectricScooterBmwEvBmwSub-brandisettaisetta brandisetta comebackisetta revivalIsettaBrandIsettaComebackIsettaRevivalWed, 05 Aug 2009 13:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19120189/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/08/05/bmw-will-create-new-electric-vehicle-sub-brand/19120189/article-detail.xml 19120189 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/08/mini-e-drive-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/08/mini-e-drive-630.jpg <![CDATA[BMW and Fiat working on new small car platform, concept headed to Frankfurt?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/bmw-and-fiat-working-on-new-small-car-platform-concept-headed-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/bmw-and-fiat-working-on-new-small-car-platform-concept-headed-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/bmw-and-fiat-working-on-new-small-car-platform-concept-headed-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



We've been hearing rumblings that BMW and Fiat were working together on the development of future small vehicle platforms for a while now. With the German automaker working on an Isetta revival and the Italian firm moving forward with a new Topolino, it makes some sense that the two companies would join forces on a single platform sharedbetween the two small retromobiles.

According to Auto Express in the U.K., work is far enough along that we could see both new city cars by 2011. If current rumors are accurate, the cars will feature a rear-mounted engine and four seats, putting the machines on par with the new Toyota iQ and upcoming Up! from Volkswagen. AE says that light weight would be ensured through the use of aluminum and carbon fiber for the chassis and possibly even plastic bodywork, and if that's the case, we can't see these being anything less than premium-priced.

An electric drivetrain featuring one motor for each of the four wheels and a thin battery pack sandwiched under the passenger compartment is also likely. If there's any truth to these rumors, we could see a concept vehicle on the new platform wearing a Mini badge at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year.

[Source: Auto Express]

BMW and Fiat working on new small car platform, concept headed to Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenbmw isettaBmwIsettafiatfiat bmwfiat topolinoFiatBmwFiatTopolinofrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowisettaminimini isettaMiniIsettaMon, 16 Mar 2009 17:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1489673/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/03/16/bmw-and-fiat-working-on-new-small-car-platform-concept-headed-t/1489673/article-detail.xml 1489673 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/03/mini_concept_crop_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/03/mini_concept_crop.jpg <![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: BMW's baby Isetta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/rendered-speculation-bmws-baby-isetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/rendered-speculation-bmws-baby-isetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/rendered-speculation-bmws-baby-isetta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This latest rendering of the long-rumored return of the Isetta brand, an offshoot of BMW, looks much more modern than any previous rendering that we've seen of the rolling mini-retro-mobile. According to the accompanying report on Autocar, the rear-engined zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) has indeed been approved by BMW, though we've heard nothing truly official as of yet. If true, the U.S. would be the likely first market to see the Isetta, possibly as early as 2012.

At this point, BMW is reportedly still deciding whether or not to offer both electric and internally-combusted versions of the new city car. BMW has quite a few small engines currently powering their line of motorcycles, and one of these engines could make an appearance in the rear of the vehicle. Possible powertrains also include a hybrid, natural gas or even fuel cell variants. Because of the high investment required to get the proposed vehicle off the ground, BMW could partner with Daimler-Benz which already offers its own tiny car under the smart brand. Rumors also link long-time BMW partner Manga Steyr to the project. Interestingly, the Canadian based auto parts giant has recently confirmed that they are working on hybrid vehicle development.

[Source: Autocar]

Rendered Speculation: BMW's baby Isetta originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw isettabmw-isettaBmwIsettaelectric isettaelectric-isettaElectricIsettaisettaWed, 30 Apr 2008 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1181863/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/04/30/rendered-speculation-bmws-baby-isetta/1181863/article-detail.xml 1181863 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/bmw-new-isetta_250-op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/bmw-new-isetta_250-op.jpg <![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: BMW iSetta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/rendered-speculation-bmw-isetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/rendered-speculation-bmw-isetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/rendered-speculation-bmw-isetta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

What you see above is a rendering of what a revived BMW Isetta could look like. While it may have been a shot in the dark a few months ago when it was rendered, following BMW's revelation that it is studying new options for urban vehicles, the idea is back on the table.

The design is certainly unusual compared to contemporary automobiles on the road today, but the same was probably said of the original Isetta when it debuted way back in the 1950s. The new design features the same stubby nose, although the front door seems to have been replaced or supplemented by more conventional side doors. which would likely be required by modern safety standards, while with the rear wheels are placed closer together than the front ones. Although this unofficial concept doesn't adopt the original nomenclature, the name iSetta (with the subtle but trendy use of upper- and lower-case letters) would seem to fit the old-is-new-again spirit of BMW's anticipated city car.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Rendered Speculation: BMW iSetta originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw isettabmw project iBmwIsettaBmwProjectIiSettarendering isettaRenderingIsettaMon, 31 Mar 2008 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1152714/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/03/31/rendered-speculation-bmw-isetta/1152714/article-detail.xml 1152714 http://www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/03/bmw-isetta-spaceball_thumbnail.png http://www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/03/bmw-isetta-spaceball.png <![CDATA[BMW considering all-electric car for the U.S.?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/11/bmw-considering-all-electric-car-for-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/11/bmw-considering-all-electric-car-for-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/11/bmw-considering-all-electric-car-for-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BMW's U.S. success means that come 2012, it will be considered a large vehicle manufacturer here in the States. In preparation for that, BMW will decide this year on whether to make "an ecologically-compatible car for the U.S. market," most likely to help the automaker meet more stringent CAFE standards that are forthcoming. Incredibly, for a company known for its engines, this newest car venture would probably run on batteries according to CEO Norbert Reithofer. We mentioned that BMW is considering the return of the Isetta brand as its green leader, but small gas and diesel engines were proposed for that car, and it's already been signed off on. Which means that if BMW were to come out with a U.S.-only all-electric vehicle, it could be something all new. Of course, a battery-powered M5 doesn't sound so bad, either.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

BMW considering all-electric car for the U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery powered carsBatteryPoweredCarsbmwbmw electric carbmw isettaBmwElectricCarBmwIsettaelectric carsElectricCarsisettaTue, 11 Mar 2008 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1137123/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/03/11/bmw-considering-all-electric-car-for-the-u-s/1137123/article-detail.xml 1137123 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/bmw_logo_outlet_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/bmw_logo_outlet_opt.jpg <![CDATA[BMW may bring back Isetta!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/28/bmw-ma-bring-back-isetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/28/bmw-ma-bring-back-isetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/28/bmw-ma-bring-back-isetta/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Auto Express is reporting that BMW is currently considering bringing back the Isetta, the three-wheel mini car with a door where the hood should be that achieved pop-culture celebrity status as the personal whip of Urkel on the sit-com Family Matters (did I just date myself?). Unlike the original, the modern interpretation will have four wheels and two doors on the sides (damn safety regulations), but it will retain the rear-engine layout of the original. While BMW has not corroborated any of this speculation, there are many reasons why resurrecting the Isetta would be a good move for the Munich-based automaker. For one, the minicar segment is a robust one around the world, especially Europe where the new Isetta would do battle with the Fiat 500, smart fortwo and Volkswagen's up! lineup. Secondly, the Isetta would be powered by a clean engine that, coupled with its light weight, would yield the most eco-friendly BMW of them all. Its inclusion in the propellor's line up would serve to bring down the average emissions of BMW's entire fleet. Finally, the Isetta brand is eminently bankable thanks to the cult status it's achieved in car culture and the generally fun and jolly nature of the original. Hopefully, however, Urkel didn't damage the brand too much back in the '90s.

[Source: Auto Express]

BMW may bring back Isetta! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMW IsettaBmwIsettaIsettaIsetta comebackIsetta retroIsetta revivalIsettaComebackIsettaRetroIsettaRevivalWed, 28 Nov 2007 12:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1049875/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/11/28/bmw-ma-bring-back-isetta/1049875/article-detail.xml 1049875 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/car_photo_231687_5_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/car_photo_231687_5_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Find of the Day: 1959 BMW Isetta drag racer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/08/find-of-the-day-1959-bmw-isetta-drag-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/08/find-of-the-day-1959-bmw-isetta-drag-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/08/find-of-the-day-1959-bmw-isetta-drag-racer/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Browsing the inventory of The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum, we ran across this little beast. Based on BMW's Isetta 3-wheeler, a car barely able to get out of its own way, Weiner's Isetta "Whatta Drag" is, um, considerably quicker than the original model.

A case of life imitating art (or in this case, imitating toys), the Isetta thrill-ride is inspired by a Hot Wheels toy of the same name. Powered by a blown Chevy 502 cubic inch V8 putting out an estimated 730 hp, and weighing all of 1520 lb., we can assume that the demon Isetta has inspiring acceleration capabilities. Although the museum doesn't cite performance figures for the car, it's described as "very very fast" and "very very loud," and we believe it. Top speed is listed as "unknown," which could well mean that the museum has yet to find anyone willing to fully explore the car's performance envelope.

The Whatta Drag Isetta is described as able to "smoke any other microcar out there," and we don't doubt it for a moment. And with 730 hp driving just one 285/35 rear tire, we're betting that "smoke" would be the operative word... And of course, where there's smoke there's fire - the car is fitted with a switch that lets the driver throw flames out about 4 feet on each side.

More pics after the jump! Follow the link to browse the museum's collection - it's an amazing place.

[Source: The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum]

Continue reading Find of the Day: 1959 BMW Isetta drag racer

Find of the Day: 1959 BMW Isetta drag racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Aug 2006 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw isettaBmwIsettabubblecardrag racerdragsterhot rodHotRodisettamicrocarwhatta dragwhattadragTue, 08 Aug 2006 15:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/652263/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/08/08/find-of-the-day-1959-bmw-isetta-drag-racer/652263/article-detail.xml 652263 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/08/whattadrag-01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/08/whattadrag-01.jpg -1 2