BMW Isetta: A Quirky Collectible Car 

Johnnie Massey is a car enthusiast through and through. Growing up on a 60-acre farm in Spencer, he picked up vehicle mechanics from his father. “I basically just figured out how to work on tractors and trucks with my dad,” he recalls, reflecting on the skills that would shape his career. His automotive journey took him through stints with Porsche and BMW, earning both ASE and BMW master certifications along the way.

In 1992, Johnnie stumbled upon a 1959 BMW Isetta in Oklahoma City, which became one of his most cherished finds. “I paid $650 for it back then, and now I’ve seen them go for upwards of $35,000,” Johnnie says with a grin. Originally designed by the Italian company Iso in the early 1950s, the Isetta was licensed by BMW in 1955 when the company needed an affordable, economical vehicle to revive its post-war business.“ Before the war, they made huge limos and cars for high-end folks, but after, no one could afford those anymore. The Isetta saved them from going under,” Johnnie explains.

Enter the Isetta – a tiny, egg-shaped car powered by a single-cylinder, four-stroke motorcycle engine. It had a distinctive front-opening door and could seat two passengers. Despite its modest 13-horsepower engine, the Isetta was efficient and could reach speeds of up to 55 mph. BMW produced the “bubble car” between 1955 and 1962, during which time it became the best-selling single-cylinder car in the world. 

After collecting many parts, including a seat cover from Australia that he found on eBay, Johnnie retired and finally had time to begin restoring the car. Of all the parts he had to collect, the tires were the most difficult to find because of their unusual size of 10 inches. “The car was in pretty rough condition when I bought it,” Johnnie admits. “It had three different colors of paint on it, but luckily, no rust. For the restoration, I took everything off, including the glass, bumpers, and trim. Then I had a good friend paint it for me. The hardest part of the restoration was putting the trim on the front and rear windshields.”

Now, the car that saved an entire company is a quirky collector’s piece and a popular attraction at regional car shows. It’s one that Johnnie enjoys sharing with interested onlookers. “A lot of people at shows won’t let you touch their cars. When I go, I let every kid who wants their picture taken get in it. There have been thousands.” Johnnie recalls one memorable moment when two big biker Harley guys hopped in for a pic—they had the biggest grins on their faces.” 

Though street legal, you won’t find Johnnie and his Isetta on the road. “It can go 55, but I wouldn’t do over 40,” he chuckles. Still, car lovers can hope to spot and even snap a pic in the tiny BMW at car shows around the metro.