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The BMW 600 is one of those wonderfully unconventional cars that could only have come from the 1950s.
Developed from the famous Isetta, but substantially more sophisticated beneath the skin, the 600 was BMW’s answer to the growing demand for a genuinely usable small family car. It retained the Isetta’s unmistakable front-opening door, but gained a longer wheelbase, four proper seats, an additional rear passenger door and a larger BMW flat-twin engine.
Produced for little more than two years, the 600 is considerably rarer today than the Isetta with which it shares its DNA, and occupies an important place in BMW history.
This particular example also comes with a story that makes it rather more interesting than most.
THE BMW 600
Introduced in 1957, the 600 represented a significant step forward from the Isetta.
BMW created an entirely new, longer chassis to accommodate four occupants and introduced independent semi-trailing-arm rear suspension, a layout that would subsequently become an important part of BMW chassis engineering. Power came from BMW’s rear-mounted flat-twin motorcycle-derived engine, coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox. Perhaps most importantly, though, it retained all the eccentric character that makes the Isetta so loved today.
You still enter the front of the car through that enormous opening nose, while rear passengers have their own conventional door on the right-hand side. It is unusual, clever, charming and unmistakably from another era.
THIS CAR
Originally registered in Sweden in 1958, this particular BMW has a fascinating documented history. In 2010 it was spotted for sale in Sweden by noted microcar collector Wayne Lee. Rather than transporting it home, he and two friends flew out, purchased the car and decided to drive it all the way back to London.
Armed, according to the previous auction catalogue, with little more than a screwdriver and a blanket, the little BMW successfully completed the journey. During the trip they stopped at a petrol station near Hamburg where they happened to meet James Elliott of Classic & Sports Car. The encounter resulted in the BMW being photographed and subsequently appearing in the magazine.
The 600 then formed part of the collector’s collection before being offered by Historics at Mercedes-Benz World in November 2016. It subsequently passed into another collection and has now been in the ownership of our current vendor for a number of years. Today the car should be considered an appealing, characterful example rather than a freshly restored show car.
It would benefit from a degree of recommissioning and there is certainly scope for cosmetic restoration should its next owner wish to take it to another level. Equally, there is considerable charm in retaining the car much as it stands, improving and recommissioning it sympathetically while enjoying it along the way.
DETAILS & HIGHLIGHTS
WHY BUY THIS BMW 600?
There are plenty of classic cars that are faster, more valuable or more glamorous. There aren’t many that will attract more interest.
The BMW 600 belongs to a wonderfully inventive period of motoring history and combines the instantly recognisable charm of the Isetta with four seats, a proper four-wheel chassis and a BMW flat-twin engine. It is also an important little car in BMW’s history, sitting directly between the Isetta and the BMW 700 that followed.
Most importantly, this isn’t simply an anonymous example. Its Swedish beginnings, extraordinary 2010 journey back to Britain, period magazine appearance and subsequent life in enthusiast collections give it genuine provenance and a story worth telling.
For someone wanting a pristine example, this car offers the opportunity to recommission and restore it to their own standard. For someone who appreciates originality, age and character, there is an equally compelling argument for simply preserving what is here, carrying out the necessary mechanical work and enjoying it.
Either way, it is a rare opportunity to acquire one of BMW’s most charismatic and unusual post-war cars.
A tiny BMW with a surprisingly big story.
Serious enquiries and inspections are welcomed - strictly by appointment
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