1959 BMW 600

BMW 600 1957 - 1959

The BMW 600 is a two-door four-seater bubble car with a rear-mounted engine driving the back wheels. When new it was not a commercial success but it now regarded as the most ambitious of the company's Isetta family.

When the 600 made its bow in August 1957, BMW was already planning their 700 range (q.v.) so the new model was by way of a stop-gap. It was also intended to offer a larger alternative to the Isetta, combining the frontal treatment of the older model with a longer wheelbase, a proper back seat and a rear door on the right-hand side. To accommodate the larger body, there was a perimeter frame with box-section side members and tubular cross members in place of an A-shaped tubular chassis and the 600 pioneered BMW's use of rear semi-trailing arm independent suspension. At the front there were coil springs, with worm & nut steering and drum brakes fore & aft. The top speed was around 62 mph.

The BMW 600 was praised for its ride quality, space (although its luggage capacity was very limited) and smart interior. It was also marketed in the UK - one famous owner was Stirling Moss - but the four-wheeled layout meant that it could not be driven by motorcycle licence holders. There was also the issue that in countries that drove on the left the back door opened onto the road rather than the pavement. In its homeland the 600 cost more than a VW Beetle and when it was replaced by the 700 in late 1959, BMW had sold only 35,000 examples.

The engine for the BMW 600 was a 582cc H2 OHV unit married to four-speed all-synchromesh manual transmission. A Saxomat automatic clutch was an optional extra.

Today the 600 is one of the most sought-after of the Isetta range, for its blend of distinctive looks, versatility, build-quality, dynamic abilities - and sheer charm. In 2018 the Chinese Eagle EG6330K city car even took its stylish tropes from what is now widely perceived as the ultimate BMW bubble car.

The initial challenge for anyone who wants a BMW 600 is actually finding one and another is that several parts are unique to this model, from the front indicators to the much of the coachwork. Buyers should pay careful attention to the condition of the front door, the state of the cabin and the exterior trim, which can prove challenging to replace.

Rivals to the BMW 600 included the VW Beetle, the Glas Goggomobile T2250/300/400 and the Fiat 600.