The Ultimate BMW Isetta Transformation: From 13 to 78 Horsepower with a Yamaha Motor

Chloe Whisperwillow

Updated Friday, August 16, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

In an awe-inspiring display of innovation and redneck engineering, YouTuber Westen Champlin has taken the world's smallest car, a 1959 BMW Isetta, and transformed it into a powerhouse on wheels. Known for its refrigerator-like appearance and a modest 13 horsepower, the BMW Isetta is not typically associated with high performance. However, Westen and his team set out to change that by swapping its original engine with a 600cc Yamaha motor, boosting its horsepower to an impressive 78.

The journey began, as many grand projects do, on Facebook Marketplace. Westen discovered a Yamaha R6 motorbike, the perfect donor for the ambitious engine swap. Negotiations were tough, with the seller initially asking for $5,500. After some haggling and a bit of luck with a coin flip, Westen secured the bike for $4,750, setting the stage for one of his sketchiest yet most exciting projects to date.

Westen's video captures the thrilling process of integrating the powerful Yamaha motor into the tiny chassis of the BMW Isetta. The visual transformation is nothing short of remarkable, turning what was once a simple, modest vehicle into a roaring, high-powered machine. The excitement in the video is palpable as the team revs up the new engine, showcasing the Isetta's newfound speed and agility.

One of the most entertaining moments in the video is when Westen decides to call his mom, who has always had a significant fear of him owning a motorcycle. The video leaves viewers on edge, waiting to see her reaction to the news of the engine swap.

For those interested in the finer details of the project or looking to catch the full transformation in action, Westen Champlin's video is a must-watch. It's a blend of humor, innovation, and adrenaline that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of DIY engineering.

Check out the video on Westen Champlin's YouTube channel to witness the full transformation of the BMW Isetta and see just how far creativity and a bit of redneck science can take you.

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View source: YouTube

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