Ep 13. BMW Isetta
- TV-PG
- January 30, 2013
- 43 min
-
7.8 (37)
In season 9, episode 13 of Wheeler Dealers, the team tackles a unique car - the BMW Isetta. This microcar was a popular choice in the 1950s and 60s, known for its quirky appearance and fuel efficiency. However, the Isetta's small size made it difficult to work on and find parts for, presenting a challenge for mechanics Mike Brewer and Edd China.
The episode begins with Mike finding a 1958 Isetta that has been converted into a portable cooking station. Despite the unusual design, Mike sees potential in the car and decides to purchase it for £8,000. Edd immediately gets to work, stripping down the car and examining its engine. They discover that the Isetta's gearbox is in poor condition, making it difficult to shift gears.
In order to fix the gearbox, Edd has to remove the entire engine and transmission from the car. This is no easy task, as the Isetta's engine is located at the back of the car and requires extensive disassembly to access. Once the engine is out, Edd replaces the worn-out gearbox with a new one and puts everything back together.
With the engine running smoothly, the team turns their attention to the exterior of the car. The Isetta's bodywork is in decent condition but has some rust spots and dents that need to be addressed. Edd works his magic on these areas, using a combination of welding and body filler to repair the damage.
Meanwhile, Mike begins the process of finding replacement parts for the Isetta. This proves to be a challenge, as many of the parts are no longer in production. However, Mike manages to source the needed parts from a variety of suppliers, including a brand new set of wheels and tires.
Once the repairs are complete, the team focuses on making the Isetta look its best. They repaint the car in its original color - a bright shade of red - and add some custom touches, such as a black stripe down the side. The result is a car that looks both classic and modern, with a unique style that is sure to turn heads.
In the final segment of the episode, Mike takes the newly restored Isetta out for a spin on the open road. The car drives smoothly and handles well, a great improvement over its previous state. Overall, the team is thrilled with the result of their hard work - a fully restored BMW Isetta that is ready to hit the road once again.
In conclusion, Wheeler Dealers season 9 episode 13 is a must-watch for fans of classic cars and microcars in particular. Viewers will be amazed at the amount of work that went into restoring this unique vehicle, and will appreciate the skill and dedication of the Wheeler Dealers team.