BMW Isetta 300 Radio Console
The gorgeous little Isetta 300 is a car that just makes everyone smile.
Built in Brighton by Isetta of Great Britain in 1961, this beautifully restored example needed just one finishing touch, a period correct radio that would look perfectly at home in the cosy interior. A radio that would provide the quality and power of a modern set without detracting from the ’60’s ambiance that wraps itself around the passengers when that front-opening door is closed.
This Isetta was first registered in Blackburn in June 1961 and cost £329 19s 6d. It had a bare metal restoration started in September 2003 and it’s been back on the road and in regular use since August 2008.
Developing 13 bhp from its BMW single-cylinder, 295cc, four stroke, air cooled engine, the car is capable of 52 mph and is comfortable cruising at 45 mph. There are four forward gears and one reverse.
The owner had very specific ideas about how the radio should look and be installed in the car. He sourced a reproduction console from Isettamania in Buenos Aires and had it sprayed in the UK to match the colour of the car.
He then brought the console, chrome speaker surround and a Blaupunkt Emblem to Agenta Audio for us to build and fit the radio.
An early ’60’s Blaupunkt Bremen was chosen and this was restored and upgraded with an Aurora FMR-2.7 AM/FM 4 x 45W RMS Stereo Radio unit with Automatic AUX input. The cosmetics included a new old stock winged chrome faceplate and reproduction aluminium knobs finished in ivory to match the push buttons.
The radio was to be fitted in the console along with a single Audison Prima APX 5 speaker. The APX 5 was the perfect fit, would handle the power of the radio effortlessly and would provide the high quality sound required.
With the speaker and chrome grille in place, the radio was fitted sitting almost vertically in the console.
The wiring was arranged so that installation simply required connecting power and ground and plugging in the aerial.
In testing, the radio in the console sounded superb and became a much admired item in the Agenta workshop until it was collected by the owner.
These wonderful little cars are loved and enjoyed by enthusiasts all over the world and this one is no exception.
Go to the UK based Micro Maniacs Club for lots of information about the Isetta and many other amazing micro cars.
See this very Isetta and some of its friends, on the TV show Bangers and Cash in February 2021.
