843 ELU
by John Budge (published in the Isetta Gazette May 1978)
My experience with bubble cars began in 1971 when I decided to seek an economical runabout. This took the form of a 1963 Trojan 200, and before long, I was well and truly hooked. The Trojan proved to be a beautiful little vehicle, and did yoeman service.
My curiosity aroused, I decided that I must sample a specimen of each of the three, Trojan (Heinkel), Isetta, and Messerschmitt. My next step was to rescue Messerschmitt which was sadly vandalised, and from which numerous parts of the body were missing -
I was now left with one more to sample, the BMW Isetta, and one of these came my way in the most unexpected manner as I shall now describe.
In 1974 I was working in West Norwood, and two friends, knowing my interest, told me of the whereabouts of an abandoned Isetta outside the Lambeth Borough Council's Highways & Refuse Collection yard at Romany Road, SE27. I made enquiries and was told that two young men had towed it there (the bumper showed it) and had asked if it could be received. They were told that vehicles were not taken there and that they could take it elsewhere, so they left it in the road. I was told to use my own discretion as to what I did, so, somewhat nervously, I pushed it a quarter of a mile to a more respectable residential area, not infested with vandals, and asked a lady I knew for permission to park it outside her house. A day or two later I got a friend to steer while I towed the Isetta home to Epsom.
My next step was a letter to the GLC requesting a log book. A form was sent and filled in and a duplicate log book supplied (much to my surprise) with the request that should the original one turn up, it was to be returned. I actually obtained the original from the last address in the duplicate log book and learnt that the previous owner had left the car on the road for more than two years as a result of which he had to pay arrears of tax, etc. I gave his mother £10 to make me feel a little better.
Now my work started. The condition of 843 ELU was extremely good, considering she had stood for two years unused. The paintwork polished up to look quite respectable apart from outbreaks of rust on the front door, and there were absolutely no holes anywhere. Missing items were the silencer, wiper rubbers, horn brush from the side of the steering column, one red lens and bulb from a rear lamp, slow running adjuster screw, lock nut and overflow pipe from the carburettor, floor mat, battery (leads cut) and a petrol filler cap.
Removal of the engine, and removal of the cylinder head and timing chain case showed it to be in good condition, but as a precaution I fitted new valves and guides, and a new timing chain plus brushes and contact breaker points. My biggest task was on the front suspension and steering which required to be thoroughly overhauled as the previous owners seemed either unaware of the need for lubrication, or couldn't be bothered! The brakes were relined, new rubber bushes fitted to the track rod and drag link, new lower swing arms and a complete set of bushes plus dust caps which latter were missing. Wipers were reinstated, after freeing rusty solid pivots, silencer, exhaust and straps were obtained, a second hand part for the carburettor, and after a fill up, hey presto! She's off!
I can only say how happy I am to have saved this lovely little vehicle which has taken me to Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales, Derbyshire Peak District, and extensively toured the south, plus reliable day to day transport. I like the solid construction, chassis, etc, and those who say it wouldn't drive as well as the Trojan are wrong. The extra power gives a surprisingly brisk performance, combined with economy, although, as one would expect, the Trojan is more economical. Nevertheless, I still prefer the Isetta. It feels more like a real car, but still retains the fun of something unusual. I can truthfully say, "I love you" to 843 ELU. She gives and will, i hope, go on giving great pleasure. I'm so glad I saved her from an untimely end.