1959 Borgward Isabella

1959 Borgward Isabella Saloon<br>Uniquely Original Condition<br>Author: Frank S. W<br>The Isabella is one of three models produced by Carl F.W. Borgwards company in Bremen Germany.<br>The two door sedan referred to as the Saloon was first produced in 1954. The most complete history<br>of the Borgward Company and the vehicles it manufactured is found on the website of the United<br>Kingdom Borgward Drivers Club (BDC). Today there are numerous Borgward Automobile Clubs around<br>the world. One of the largest and most active is in Germany.<br>In the United States the Borgward was introduced in the mid 1950s and the company built their<br>distribution network from the east coast into the middle of the country. Their manufacture ceased in<br>the early 1960s and the dealerships that sold and serviced them closed. However the legacy of the<br>marquee continued and for decades has been supported in America by the Borgward Owners Club in<br>Long Island NY primarily by the efforts of the founder Dyck Livant.<br>This 1959 Isabella was a barn find as described by its previous owner in Spokane Washington. (See<br>January 2022 BDC Newsletter.) Even so it was in remarkable condition. Since then and with great care <br>it has been completely revived through a combined effort by previous and present owners.<br>Exterior:<br>One of the most remarkable attributes of this Isabella is that it retains its original ivory-colored paint in<br>magnificent condition. Only the two front panels below the chrome strip have been repainted. There<br>are a few dimples but they are a testament to the life and history of the car. There are only a handful of<br>pepper like spots of rust on the front grille diamond and under the front headlights. There is no rust at<br>all on the undercarriage. The chrome all the way around the car is in perfect condition also. The<br>taillights parking lights and reflectors are flawless and appear as original. The wheels are new and have<br>been painted to match exactly the original ivory body color. The tires are brand new whitewalls by<br>Coker. The hub caps are replacements. The windshield is new.<br>Included with this car is a brand new custom-made dust cover by California Car Covers.<br>Interior:<br>The interior like the exterior is remarkably original from the headliner to the chording to the<br>upholstery and the rubber mats as is the Bakelite surrounding the windows and all of the dash. The<br>steering wheel shifting and turn signal lever and the instrument panel are perfect. The clock and the<br>cigar lighter are both original but are not working. The Motorola AM radio is original and most likely is<br>the one that was installed by the dealership that delivered the vehicle. It has been restored and the<br>speaker replaced so that all work like new again. The clutch and brake pedal pads are new. In the trunk <br>all is in excellent original condition even the vinyl floor liner. The spare tire is also new and there is a<br>tool kit which appears to be original.<br><br>Mechanical:<br>The mechanics of the car are in perfect order. It starts runs and shifts beautifully.<br>The engine has been completely rebuilt and repainted in its original black color. The block was bored <br>and new oversized pistons were installed along with a new clutch through-out bearing and press plate.<br>All were rebalanced.<br>The following have been replaced with new: valves fuel filter points plugs timing gears fan belt <br>motor mounts sub-frame bushings pilot bushing main bearing set conrod set center steering link <br>gaskets hoses fan belt shock absorbers clutch and brake master cylinders brakes rear axle shaft<br>boots (gaiters) front and rear U-joints complete exhaust system battery wipers (axles arms and<br>blades).<br>The carburetor was rebuilt and the oil filter was cleaned. A total tune up and front end alignment were<br>completed.<br>This Isabella has been featured twice the newsletters of both the Borgward Owners Club and the<br>Borgward Drivers Club and PDFs of both are available on request. According to Dick Livant its superior<br>and near original condition is rare; making it uniquely qualified as a museum-like antique automobile.<br><br>This amazing piece of automotive history is located in Pennsylvania.

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