Supercharged BMW Isetta 'Whatta Drag' Is 56 Times More Powerful Than Original

This is the BMW Isetta Whatta Drag model, a fully-functioning Hot Wheels-inspired drag racer that goes under the auction hammer on February 16.

Compared with the donor car, the 8.2-litre supercharged V8 Whatta Drag model is 56 times more powerful than than the original one-cylinder, 13bhp baby BMW of 1959. That equates to a power output today of 730bhp. The Chevy 502 V8's "massive amount of torque" is described as "dangerous if driven improperly."

Commissioned by microcar collector Bruce Weiner, power for the Whatta Drag Isetta is transferred to the single rear wheel via a two-speed manual gearbox. Suspension components have been dragged out of a BMW M3 to ensure 'reasonable' drivability, while the Whatta Drag's colossal rear wing (arguably the racer's second stand-out feature) keeps the 18-inch rear rubber firmly planted on the black stuff.

The monster microcar's exhaust manifold and engine have also been tweaked to fire flames of up to one metre in length from its eight-strong exhaust tips.

The BMW Isetta Whatta Drag is estimated to reach up to $100,000 in US auction house RM Auctions. Any takers?