1959 Borgward Isabella Coupe TS – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

Inhalte Verbergen

1 Technical Details:

2 Design:

3 Historical Significance:

4 Quirks and Pop Culture:

5 Display and preservation:

6 Conclusion:

Technical Details:

The 1959 Borgward Isabella Coupé TS represents the most performance-oriented evolution of Borgward’s successful mid-size platform. At its core is a 1,493 cm³ inline four-cylinder engine mounted at the front and driving the rear wheels. In TS specification, output rises to 55 kW (75 PS), a notable figure for the late 1950s and one that placed the car among the quicker German road cars of its time. Carburetion on the TS is commonly listed as a Solex 32 PAITA, supporting higher engine output and sustained high-speed driving. Period performance figures regularly quote a top speed of around 150 km/h, a level that, in the mid-1950s context, matched far more exclusive sports cars.

The Isabella was built with a steel body mounted on a conventional chassis layout, prioritizing durability and everyday usability. Power was transmitted to the rear axle, aligning with contemporary engineering practice and providing balanced handling characteristics. For the 1959 model year, introduced from August 1958, Borgward implemented a series of detail revisions that distinguished later cars from earlier production. These included a smaller Borgward rhombus badge, a straight side chrome strip replacing earlier angled executions, and slimmer, angled rear light units adopted from the Hansa 2400. While the Isabella range also included two-door sedans and estate versions, the Coupé remained the most exclusive derivative. In 1959, Coupé production amounted to 2,622 units, underlining its niche status within the broader Isabella family.

Manufacturer: Borgward
Model name: Borgward Isabella Coupé TS
Year of Manufacturing: 1955-1961

Design:

The Borgward Isabella Coupé TS combines restrained elegance with subtle sporting intent. Its proportions are clean and balanced, with a low roofline that differentiates it clearly from the sedan. For the 1959 model year, exterior details became more refined: the reduced-size Borgward rhombus modernized the front appearance, while the straight chrome strip along the flanks emphasized length and visual calm. At the rear, the narrow, angled tail lamps—borrowed from the larger Hansa 2400—gave the car a more contemporary look. From 1959 onward, the Coupé could also be ordered with add-on tailfins, complete with larger, integrated indicators, reflecting international styling trends of the era without overwhelming the overall design.

Inside, the Borgward Isabella Coupé TS’s cabin was described as bright and modern. The interior atmosphere emphasized clarity and functionality rather than excess ornamentation. One element stood out in particular: the two-spoke steering wheel, which immediately drew attention and became a defining feature of the driving environment. The combination of light tones and clean surfaces reinforced the impression of technical progress and comfort, aligning the Isabella Coupé TS with the optimistic mood of late-1950s West Germany.

Historical Significance:

According to tradition, Carl F. W. Borgward reportedly remarked “Schreibt meinetwegen Isabella drauf” when asked whether the new mid-range model should be given a name. Introduced in the mid-1950s, the Borgward Isabella quickly distinguished itself through performance and engineering ambition. With 60 PS from 1.5 liters—and from 1957 onward 75 PS in TS form—it outpaced many competitors. A top speed of 150 km/h placed it on par with the Porsche 356 of the same era, an extraordinary comparison for a car positioned as an upscale family model.

Borgward’s broader history adds depth to the Borgward Isabella’s significance. Carl F. W. Borgward had taken over Hansa-Lloyd as early as 1929 and reorganized his brands after the Second World War, positioning Borgward, Hansa, and Lloyd across different market segments. The Isabella, first presented in 1954, became a symbol of the German economic miracle. Even after the collapse of the Borgward group in 1961—following a highly publicized crisis and the refusal of state support—the Isabella lived on. The final examples were assembled in 1962 from remaining parts of the bankruptcy estate, underscoring the model’s lasting demand and reputation.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

Beyond its technical and historical importance, the Borgward Isabella found a place in popular culture. Isabella models, including the Coupé, appeared in German films and television productions of the 1950s and 1960s, often as contemporary everyday cars. Notable appearances include Die Christel von der Post (1956) and the crime series Stahlnetz – E 605 (1960). Decades later, the Isabella resurfaced in a different context in Die Ludolfs – 4 Brüder auf’m Schrottplatz (2006–2010), where classic cars featured as objects of nostalgia and restoration. These appearances helped cement the Isabella’s image as a recognizable and emotionally charged classic.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden in 2022. Set in the elegant spa gardens of Baden-Baden, this open-air event is one of Germany’s most atmospheric classic car gatherings. The 2022 edition marked the 46th year of the meeting and featured over 350 carefully selected vintage vehicles from across Europe. With its picturesque backdrop and festive ambiance, the event draws thousands of visitors who stroll among historic automobiles, enjoy live music, and take in themed displays. In 2022, American classics and convertibles were especially well represented, reflecting the event’s continued celebration of both international and domestic automotive heritage.

Conclusion:

The 1959 Borgward Isabella Coupé TS stands as a concise expression of post-war German ambition in design, engineering, and performance. Its 75 PS inline-four engine, refined 1959 model-year updates, and limited Coupé production underline its special status within the Isabella range. Design revisions kept the car visually current, while its historical background ties it closely to the rise and fall of one of Germany’s most innovative manufacturers. Seen today, the Isabella Coupé TS remains a telling reminder of a period when technical confidence and optimism shaped the automotive landscape.