Orkney Image Library

I think Jimmy Fraser had that car when he was stationed in Longhope..

An Italian design - hence the Italian name Isetta (one s) - bought and revamped by BMW. The one in the photo is left-hand drive. I think RHD models were produced, possibly only by a British firm which copied the design. True motor buffs out there will know the details.

Yes I remember the old man with that car when we stayed in Longhope and Nicholson Street.

In the mid sixties Alistair Kerr from Toab and Smith Foubister had ones. Alistair's one was not too reliable and at one stage had an engine transplant. Rumour had it that one of these two did circles on the pier on two wheels - I won't say which one as it may not be correct!!

I remember Jimmy Fraser with the bubble car in Longhope, he was so tall I used to wonder how he managed to get in it.

I was speaking to Smith Foubister the other day about the Isetta bubble he had when he was sixteen,you could drive it on a motor bike licence,It was right-hand drive with a 300cc engine and it would keep up with a Mini,when I asked him about turning circles on the Pier on two wheels he said you could lean them over like a motor Bike.Added by Phil Brough.

Brings back memories right enough, Lawrence.

I've been a passenger in an Isetta when it was on two wheels on more than occasion and it was a good laxative! The same driver also managed to roll it too.

I remember Mrs Fraser comming tae the South Side School as the district nurse tae check whur lugs and lookan fur nits! And she was driving that peedie bubble car wae a carry cot on the back shelf, I windar if you would have been the baby in the cot Kenny or did you have a peedie sister?
Ian Williamson who was later a Bobby in Longhope spoke o Jimmy giving David Spence o Kirkwall fame a lift home in the same peedie car remember Jimmy must have been six feet four and Davy as big god kens how they both got in! When Davy got oot he stood on the lights and tramped them tae the grund and went on his way leaving Jimmy tae pick up the pieces!!.

was jimmy fraser the big lad in st catherines place .. used to do airport security

I forgot to mention that Sammy Bews had been loaned the Isetta bubble car by Jimmy the Sunday Sammy had it out at Cannigal Farm, which is why Margaret was photographed sitting in it, Sammy being an Uncle to Margaret. Just a few days ago I saw a photo in a magazine of Jeramy Clarkson sitting in an Isetta Bubble Car, he must be 6ft.4 or 5ins. Added by Phil Brough.

My father had a left hand drive Isetta, registration number XSR 203 in the early 70's. I also remember John Hourie from Heathfilld having one.

Dad, Dennis Johnston used to hiv a bubble car early 70's I think. Hid wis none too reliable hid used to run fur aboot a mile then break doon! Noo me sister, Laura his wan a little yellow and orange number.

The baby in the cot was my younger sister gladys,and yes he did do security at the airport for a while.

I had the pleasure of having a tooter around Longhope in a peedie yellow Isetta not that long ago belonging tae john and laura.Most amusing it was. Cheers john, ta Laura.