Find of the Day: 1959 BMW Isetta drag racer
Browsing the inventory of The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum, we ran across this little beast. Based on BMW's Isetta 3-wheeler, a car barely able to get out of its own way, Weiner's Isetta "Whatta Drag" is, um, considerably quicker than the original model.
A case of life imitating art (or in this case, imitating toys), the Isetta thrill-ride is inspired by a Hot Wheels toy of the same name. Powered by a blown Chevy 502 cubic inch V8 putting out an estimated 730 hp, and weighing all of 1520 lb., we can assume that the demon Isetta has inspiring acceleration capabilities. Although the museum doesn't cite performance figures for the car, it's described as "very very fast" and "very very loud," and we believe it. Top speed is listed as "unknown," which could well mean that the museum has yet to find anyone willing to fully explore the car's performance envelope.
The Whatta Drag Isetta is described as able to "smoke any other microcar out there," and we don't doubt it for a moment. And with 730 hp driving just one 285/35 rear tire, we're betting that "smoke" would be the operative word... And of course, where there's smoke there's fire - the car is fitted with a switch that lets the driver throw flames out about 4 feet on each side.
More pics after the jump! Follow the link to browse the museum's collection - it's an amazing place.
[Source: The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Matt 4:43PM (8/08/2006)
That's definitely the Urkel car!
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bernie 6:00PM (8/08/2006)
I give up... WHERE, exactly is this museum? Somewhere in America? Could you guys try to be a little less cute and a tad more journalistic, okay?
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vryk 6:09PM (8/08/2006)
Google is your friend:
http://www.microcarmuseum.com/info.html
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JayP 6:39PM (8/08/2006)
I never knew there was a 'real' WhattaDrag! This is one of my favorite HotWheels and never knew there was a 1:1 version.
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thesawzall 1:21PM (8/09/2006)
Wouldn't the torque on the crankshaft just knock this thing right on it's side if you really opened the throttle up?
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Spyder 10:04AM (8/31/2007)
You are absolutely right. Likely that is why it has never been run. Maybe if it had training wheels to keep it upright...
ibjpit 5:46PM (8/14/2007)
Madison , Ga.
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Spyder 10:04AM (8/31/2007)
Great toy. It proves once again that given enough time and enough money, man can do virtually anything...even if it is futile. And Bernie needs to lighten up a bit.
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