Originating in Italy, the Isetta was constructed under licence in Britain from 1957 to 1964. BMW also obtained the rights to build the Isetta in Germany in the early 1950s. The vehicle had a short lifespan, with production ending in 1966. The Royal Automobile Club’s Isetta is a replica produced in 1960.

The RAC, when it was owned by the Club, purchased six of the vehicles to combat congestion in London. The Isetta was not popular with patrol drivers, however, due to the limited space for both equipment and one passenger. The Isetta was used for carrying petrol and a heavy-duty battery in the equipment holder at the rear. The little single-cylinder engine of 298cc produced 13hp and gave a top speed of just 50mph.