Rare 1958 BMW Isetta 600 Limousine: A Microcars Legacy Preserved in Fort Worth Museum

A remarkable piece of automotive history has found its home in the DFW Car & Toy Museum, where a pristine 1958 BMW Isetta 600 limousine stands as a testament to mid-20th-century engineering innovation. This rare microcar represents a pivotal moment in BMW's design philosophy, offering insights into an era of compact, practical transportation.

The Isetta 600, produced between 1957 and 1959, was BMW's ambitious attempt to create a more versatile version of its popular bubble car. Featuring seating for four passengers and an unconventional front-opening door, the vehicle challenged traditional automotive design. Powered by a rear-mounted 582cc flat-twin engine generating approximately 19.5 horsepower, the car could reach speeds up to 62 miles per hour, making it surprisingly capable for its size.

Meticulously restored in 2015, this particular model has been returned to its original turquoise finish, with comprehensive work including floor pan replacement and rust repair. The restoration's quality is evidenced by prestigious awards, including the 2017 AACA Grand National Award and the 2016 AACA National First Prize.

While the Isetta 600 represented innovative engineering—including being the first BMW to feature independent semi-trailing arm rear suspension—it struggled commercially against larger economy cars like the Volkswagen Beetle. Ultimately, only 34,813 units were produced before the model was discontinued in 1959.

The vehicle's interior reflects mid-century design ingenuity, with unique features like a front-opening side-hinged door, a floor-mounted shifter, and a dashboard pod housing a 120-mph speedometer. Its four-speed manual transmission and hydraulic drum brakes provided an engaging driving experience that distinguished it from contemporary microcars.

As part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, this BMW Isetta 600 serves as more than just a preserved artifact. It represents a critical moment in automotive design when manufacturers were reimagining transportation's possibilities, creating vehicles that were simultaneously practical, efficient, and charming.

Visitors to the DFW Car & Toy Museum can now examine this remarkable piece of automotive history, gaining a tangible connection to an innovative period of design that continues to influence modern compact car development.