I'm having a great time watching your videos. I like seeing how different manufacturers solved the same problems with different approaches. There is an eccentric genius in town who runs a machine shop and rebuilds anything - airplane engines (he's certified), any vehicle whatsoever. Since I had several 'different' vehicles (Renault R16, Vanagon, Le Car, Alliance, Ural motorcycle) he christened me the 'saint of lost cars'. I must hand the title over to you! You have a much bigger selection with more variety AND work on other folks unusual cars. Keep up the good work.
I'm a believer! Have loved these small cars since I was a child in the 1950's. i turned 70 earlier this year and would give anything to ride in or drive an Isetta. The principle of the rear wheels/axle/chain drive intrigue me. I ride recumbent trikes (delta and tadpole) for my senior enjoyment and the delta recumbent trike is similar: two wheels in back with one brake (disc) driven by a chain. My power source is more of the two legs pushing feet on rotating pedals variety, so no gas tank is required!
Question about the Issetas. Anytime I see one, in photos or video, I always see them with the exposed engine. Did they come with an engine cover of some sort? Are those covers prone to getting misplaced?
It's like the wrapper was just peeled off it! I think I'm in love. Is it one wheel drive with the other hub "free wheeling" or are both rear wheels connected and spinning at the same speed?
If I understood correctly they are both connected. This makes having a single rear brake more logical because it will act on both wheels through the axle.
No, he showed he could turn the left wheel with the car in the air. The right wheel was off camera, and he said they were locked and implied there was no differential needed due to the narrow rear track. If one wheel was free wheeling the rear track would be irrelevant and he wouldn't have mentioned it
I'm having a great time watching your videos. I like seeing how different manufacturers solved the same problems with different approaches. There is an eccentric genius in town who runs a machine shop and rebuilds anything - airplane engines (he's certified), any vehicle whatsoever. Since I had several 'different' vehicles (Renault R16, Vanagon, Le Car, Alliance, Ural motorcycle) he christened me the 'saint of lost cars'. I must hand the title over to you! You have a much bigger selection with more variety AND work on other folks unusual cars. Keep up the good work.
I'm a believer! Have loved these small cars since I was a child in the 1950's. i turned 70 earlier this year and would give anything to ride in or drive an Isetta. The principle of the rear wheels/axle/chain drive intrigue me. I ride recumbent trikes (delta and tadpole) for my senior enjoyment and the delta recumbent trike is similar: two wheels in back with one brake (disc) driven by a chain. My power source is more of the two legs pushing feet on rotating pedals variety, so no gas tank is required!
Pretty neat underside.
Very informative video. I would love to see how the shift linkage works from under the car while someone row through the gears (including reverse)!
Great video. Thanks for the explanations
Reminds me of the rubber "U-joints" on old Fiats & Alfa's and Lotus Elans and Elises.
Question about the Issetas. Anytime I see one, in photos or video, I always see them with the exposed engine. Did they come with an engine cover of some sort? Are those covers prone to getting misplaced?
It's like the wrapper was just peeled off it! I think I'm in love. Is it one wheel drive with the other hub "free wheeling" or are both rear wheels connected and spinning at the same speed?
If I understood correctly they are both connected. This makes having a single rear brake more logical because it will act on both wheels through the axle.
2:44 he shows that the left wheel is free-wheeling.
No, he showed he could turn the left wheel with the car in the air. The right wheel was off camera, and he said they were locked and implied there was no differential needed due to the narrow rear track. If one wheel was free wheeling the rear track would be irrelevant and he wouldn't have mentioned it
What was the bottom of the body paint called?
I want that orange Freeway.
Live axles must have made these a real handful on icy or snowy roads!
Overhead valve as opposed to overhead cam. Lower front arm bushes don’t look too clever on that car.
Man, I've always liked these little cars. Too bad they're so expensive. :S
Supercool.
Sweet!!!