1959 Lloyd Alexander – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
By 1959, the era of fabric-bodied economy cars in Germany was coming to an end. The Lloyd Alexander stood at this turning point, replacing wood-and-fabric construction with an all-steel body while retaining the compact, air-cooled twin-cylinder concept. It was a small car that marked a significant technical shift for its manufacturer.
Technical Details
The 1959 Lloyd Alexander was produced by Lloyd Motoren Werke, part of the Borgward Group. It evolved from the earlier Lloyd LP 600 and LP 400 models, which had used a wooden frame covered in synthetic leather (“Leukoplastbomber,” as critics once called them). With the Alexander, Lloyd adopted a full steel monocoque body, improving rigidity and durability.
Power came from a front-mounted, air-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke engine. In 1959, the common displacement was 596 cc, producing approximately 19–25 PS depending on version (Alexander 600 or 600 S). The engine drove the front wheels through a four-speed manual transmission, making the Lloyd Alexander a front-wheel-drive vehicle at a time when many small competitors still used rear-wheel drive.
Suspension consisted of independent front suspension and a rear setup using a swing axle arrangement, with coil springs providing compliance. Braking was handled by hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels. With a kerb weight of roughly 650–700 kilograms, the Lloyd Alexander achieved a top speed in the range of 90–100 km/h, depending on engine specification. Fuel consumption remained modest, aligning with its role as an economical family car.
- Manufacturer: Lloyd Motoren Werke
- Model Name: Lloyd Alexander
- Year of Manufacturing: 1959
Design
The Lloyd Alexander’s design reflected its transition from makeshift postwar construction to modern small-car standards. The adoption of a steel monocoque body gave the car cleaner lines and a more robust appearance. Its proportions were compact but practical, with a short bonnet, upright cabin, and minimal overhangs.
The front end featured simple round headlamps and a modest grille, while the body sides were largely unadorned, emphasizing function over decoration. Large windows improved visibility and gave the cabin a brighter atmosphere than earlier Lloyd models.
Inside, the dashboard layout was straightforward, typically centered around a single large speedometer and essential controls. Seating was basic but sufficient for four passengers within the car’s limited footprint. The Alexander’s styling was neither flamboyant nor overtly sporty; it aimed to convey reliability and affordability in a rapidly modernizing market.
Historical Significance
The Lloyd brand was revived after the Second World War as part of the Borgward industrial group. Early Lloyd models played a crucial role in Germany’s return to mass motorization, offering extremely affordable transportation during the early Wirtschaftswunder years.
By the late 1950s, however, customer expectations had shifted. Buyers increasingly demanded more durable construction and improved performance. The Lloyd Alexander, introduced in 1957 and continuing through 1959 and beyond, addressed these expectations by replacing the earlier wood-and-fabric structure with a modern steel body and by refining the twin-cylinder four-stroke engine.
In 1959, the Alexander represented Lloyd’s most mature small-car offering. Nevertheless, mounting financial pressures within the Borgward Group culminated in bankruptcy in 1961. Production of Lloyd models ceased shortly thereafter. The Lloyd Alexander thus stands as one of the final significant products of a brand that had been instrumental in postwar German mobility.
Quirks and Pop Culture
The Lloyd brand carried the lingering nickname “Leukoplastbomber” due to its earlier fabric-bodied construction, a label that the Alexander’s steel body helped to overcome. Owners of the Alexander often emphasize its simplicity and ease of maintenance, characteristics valued in the late 1950s.
Front-wheel drive was still relatively uncommon in the small-car segment at the time, making the Alexander technically distinctive among its direct competitors. Today, surviving examples are appreciated as representatives of Germany’s transitional phase from austerity-era microcars to more robust small family vehicles.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at Motorworld Classics Bodensee in 2022. This event, held in Friedrichshafen, is a popular gathering for classic car enthusiasts in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The 2022 edition featured over 800 exhibitors spread across multiple halls and open-air spaces, offering a vibrant mix of vintage automobiles, motorcycles, boats, and aircraft. Visitors could explore restoration workshops, parts markets, and club presentations. A key highlight was the live vehicle auctions and dynamic driving demonstrations on the event grounds. The show reaffirmed its reputation as a hands-on celebration of classic mobility culture.
Conclusion
The 1959 Lloyd Alexander marked a decisive evolution within the Lloyd lineup. With its front-mounted, air-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke engine, front-wheel-drive layout, and newly adopted steel monocoque body, it reflected changing expectations in the German small-car market. Modest in power but practical and economical, the Alexander contributed to everyday mobility during the late Wirtschaftswunder period. As one of the last significant Lloyd models before the Borgward Group’s collapse, it remains an important chapter in postwar German automotive history.
