1959 BMW Isetta 300

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Originally powered by a 50HP, 298CC, 18CI, .3L Air-Cooled L-head single-cylinder, this 1959 BMW ISETTA 300 doesn’t run anymore. This chain-driven rear-wheel drive has a single carburetor, a 4-Speed Manual Gearbox, and a 1-piece rear axle. It is equipped with 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes and a retractable sunroof.  

Originally powered by a 50HP, 298CC, 18CI, .3L Air-Cooled L-head single-cylinder, this 1959 BMW ISETTA 300 doesn’t run anymore. This chain-driven rear-wheel drive has a single carburetor, a 4-Speed Manual Gearbox, and a 1-piece rear axle. It is equipped with 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes and a retractable sunroof.  No AC. No power steering.

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Roy is a proud owner of a 2022 Tesla Y, he fell in love with this unique car a few months ago. Designed in Italy by Renzo Rivolta’s Isothermos company, BMW introduced this two-seat vehicle with this unique front opening door in 1955. Because of its bubble-like window, the Isetta was the first car to be named as a “bubble car”. Roy will be the main driver after the electric conversion.  He will mainly use it during weekends for leisure driving and charge it overnight.  

From A to Z, Roy wants to handle this project on its own. He will restore it: frame, body, brakes, wheels, suspension, interior...

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He also wants to convert the car to electric himself and already knows he will need training. For online courses, he will consider the online program of weber University https://continue.weber.edu/professional/programs/evtraining/.

With a curbweight of 778 lbs, Roy’s requirements are very reasonable. He wants the Isetta to be as powerful as it used to be (13hp), with a top speed of 50 mph and a range of 40 miles.

Roy wants to use as many used EV parts as possible. Lithium for batteries would be preferred, ideally installed behind the driver seat. The transmission must be rebuilt. Removing it would save room and weight, especially for such a microcar. For the motor, he is considering the Mars 1003 24-72 VDC Motor along with the Kelly KDZ72651 or the SR 72500 ALLTRAX controller. He is open to suggestions and will consider any other option from experts of the Fuel2Electric community.

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No towing requirements


    • SKU
      00100-1959-BMW-Isetta-300
  • Year
    1959
  • Make
    BMW
  • Model
    Isetta 300
  • Location
    California
  • Run
    No
  • Street use
    Yes
  • Drivetrain
    REAR-WHEEL DRIVE (RWD)
  • Transmission
    Manual 4-speed
  • Front brakes
    Drum
  • Rear brakes
    Drum
  • Upgrade brakes
    Maybe
  • Upgrade wheels/tires
    Maybe
  • Upgrade suspension
    No
  • Upgrade interior
    Yes
  • Power steering
    No
  • AC
    No
  • Primary charging location
    Home
  • Charging station needed
    No
  • DIY
    100% myself (do it yourself)
  • EV conversion training needed
    Yes, virtual only
  • EV drive train
    Same as today
  • EV HP
    0-50 hp
  • EV torque
    -- I don't know
  • EV expectations
    As powerful as today
  • EV top speed
    50 mph
  • EV range
    40 miles
  • EV charging time
    Low (overnight)
  • Towing
    No
  • Use of used parts
    As much used EV parts as possible
  • Dec 9, 2022, 10:32 AM
    Nicolas Villar (Ion Garage)
    Would love to convert this Isetta, I would go with an AC motor instead of a DC motor like you suggested, they are more efficient and less power hungry.
    I would probably use 30kw water cooled motor, with a 96v battery, with about 20kw capacity you should get the range you are looking for.
    I would keep the chain drive/transmission since the motor will require gear reduction. Beautiful car, looks like an amazing project.
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