Bidding is quite strong for this 1957 BMW Isetta, which remains in untouched survivor condition. This is the 300 model, which enjoys increased displacement over the 250 for a robust 13 b.h.p. and 13.6 ft. lbs. of torque. Laugh all you want, but these Isettas were popular when introduced and quite collectable now, with reasonable projects like this one always in demand. The seller claims the sub-7,000 mile odometer reading is real, and you’ll find it here on eBay.

Now, we’re as skeptical as you are about low mileage claims on cars hailing from an era of notoriously flimsy odometer gears. However, the seller claims this particular Isetta was relegated to long-term storage after just two years on the road, being parked in 1959. In that time, it retained its original vintage California license plates, dealer plate frames (I want those), OEM Varta battery and period “Al Davis” AM radio. The Webasto roof looks to be in nice shape as well.

The interior remains in impressive, untouched condition, with no obvious signs of damage or wear. All glass appears sound and really, it just looks like it needs a good cleaning. These Isettas were made under different nameplates, though BMW performed a great deal of re-engineering to call the car its own. The company’s motorcycle engines provided the horsepower and could reach speeds around 53 m.p.h. Certainly, not intended for Autobahn use but plenty useful around town.

Microcars have always enjoyed higher levels of collectability, but there’s also the convenience factor: if you’re hankering for a vintage BMW to put in the garage, this one won’t take up nearly as much room as the Bavaria 4-speed we recently featured. Of course, you’ll have to limit your road trips to errand-duty only – which is why the fever-pitch bidding is so surprising to me (and I say that as a die-hard BMW fan.) But finding one this original is likely somewhat unrepeatable, and it will be interesting to see where this one ends up.