Weirdest ever BMW that opened like a fridge actually managed to save the brand from ruin

The weirdest ever BMW that opened like a fridge, the iconic BMW Isetta, was actually the car that saved the German brand.

BMW is perhaps most famous for cars like the M5, the M3, and the M1 supercar, but in the 1950s, it was producing a quirky-looking three-wheeler called the Isetta.

This fun microcar could trace its origins back to Italy, and in 2025, it’s become such an oddity that it’s a hugely popular classic car and one that always gains massive attention.

What makes the car so remarkable is how it turned the company’s fortunes around and saved it.

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The origins of the weirdest ever BMW

BMW began manufacturing the Isetta in 1955; however, its origins actually go back to a different brand in Italy.

In 1953, a car emerged called the Iso Isetta, built by a brand that also built refrigerators.

This was the car that would eventually become the BMW Isetta, the weirdest ever BMW.

The microcar was popular initially, but competition from the Fiat 500C meant this began to wane in Italy.

The German company then bought the license and tooling for the car.

This enabled it to begin production from 1955 onwards.

While it looked similar, the Isetta did have a few changes from the original design.

For example, out went the original two-stroke engine, and in came a single-cylinder motorcycle engine.

The Isetta door opened up like a fridge

One feature that was retained from the original was the opening front door.

To make it easy to get in and out of, the Isetta had a large, single door at the front that swung out wide.

It was very much in keeping with how a fridge would open.

How it saved the manufacturer, however, is even more fascinating.

At the time of its introduction, the company was struggling.

Motorcycle sales were dwindling, and its luxury 503 and 507 were too expensive.

The little bubble car was able to go into production and make money straight away, selling for the equivalent of $6,800 in 2025.

Strong sales gave the company breathing room, and it was eventually able to correct its financial situation.

So if you enjoy driving around in an M5, then you have the Isetta bubble car to thank for it.

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