BUBBLES IN THE EMERALD ISLE

by 'Lonebird'(published in the Isetta Gazette Sept 1978)

Being the proud owner of a British Isetta 300, left hand drive, three wheeler, 1960 model, and now a member of the Isetta Owners Club, I feel that I would like to share with other members some of my experiences since I became interested in micro-cars.

First, I would like to state that I have been a life long motor-cycle enthusiast when, about ten years ago, I came across a Messerschmitt KR 175, 1957 model, in a dump. It was in good condition, except for two tyres and the battery. The 175 had a manually operated gear change of unique design, in that by operating a second lever on the steering column, which itself was more like a rudder bar or handle bar, the direction of travel could be changed, backwards or forwards, the selection of gears being on the main gear lever. The car could be driven in any gear backwards as fast as forwards, providing there was plenty of room to do so! It was a real fun car.

Now, how come I came to own an Isetta? I was on my way to a lake to do a spot of fishing, and since I had never previously been there, I stopped at a farmhouse to ask directions. I spotted this beautiful Isetta in an old hay barn when I drove the Messerschmitt up to the back door. I almost forgot what it was I wanted, being carried away by the sight of the Isetta. Suddenly a lady appeared, and as I greeted her, she took one look athe 'Schmitt, and exclaimed, "Oh, you have one of those things too!" She then explained how she had got it from an old aunt who had brought it over from England, only to find she couldn't get it insured here. I then suggested that she might like to sell it. She smiled and said, "Give me £20 for it and take it away." I dashed home, got a friend with a trailer, gave the fishes the afternoon off, and took home my Isetta. Believe it or not, I wouldn't swap it for all the fishes in that lake, now.

That was five years ago, but, as we all know, great joys do not last forever. When, a year ago, I discovered a drive coupling going, and also some clutch slip, having no one in this country to turn to for spares, I decided to advertise.

I sent a snap of the car, complete with wife and family sticking up through the sun roof, to Mr Peter Stronge, editor of Motor-cycle news, requesting him to publish a plea for spares, and see what happened. The first reply was from none other than our good friend and techncal advsor, Vic Locke, to whom I am deeply indebted, as well as to Mr Stronge for making it all possible. I had thirteen replies in all, mostly from Yorkshire, and since then I have had no problem with spares except for a silencer.

Finally, why do I sign myself 'Lonebird'? Because I seem to be the only one driving an Isetta in Eire.

Happy Motoring,

Paddy McCabe.