1961 Borgward Isabella Combi – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

As the estate version of the Borgward Isabella, the Combi combined the familiar Isabella front and passenger cell with a distinct rear body optimized for cargo. “Combi” in the Isabella range referred specifically to the three-door estate configuration, as opposed to the two-door saloon.

Technical Details:

The Borgward Isabella Combi was powered by a 1,493 cm³ inline four-cylinder engine, rated at 60 PS (44 kW) in this estate specification. This output placed the Combi squarely within the expectations of a well-performing mid-size family and utility car of its era, balancing usable performance with everyday practicality. According to the factory listing for the Combi, top speed was quoted at 130 km/h, a respectable figure for an estate car at the beginning of the 1960s. Fuel consumption was measured at 9.1 liters per 100 kilometers under the DIN 70030 standard, reflecting the car’s positioning as a usable long-distance vehicle rather than a purely urban hauler.

Dimensionally, the Isabella Combi measured 4,400 mm in length, 1,760 mm in width, and 1,520 mm in height. Kerb weight stood at 1,130 kg, while payload capacity was listed at 375 kg, underlining the model’s utility-focused mission. A turning circle of 11 meters made it relatively manageable in tight spaces for its size. Borgward also offered practical options such as a sliding sunroof (“Schiebedach”) at extra cost, indicating that even the Combi variant could be specified with comfort-oriented features. Factory documentation further enumerated a range of paint colors and two-tone combinations, details that remain especially valuable today for period-correct restorations.

• Manufacturer: Borgward
• Model Name: Isabella Combi
• Year of Manufacturing: 1955–1961

Design:

As the estate version of the Borgward Isabella, the Combi combined the familiar Isabella front and passenger cell with a distinct rear body optimized for cargo. “Combi” in the Isabella range referred specifically to the three-door estate configuration, as opposed to the two-door saloon. Its defining design feature was the extended rear section with a large cargo compartment (Laderaum), making it suitable for families, tradespeople, and long-distance travel alike.

The evolution of the rear access is central to the Combi’s design story. Early versions used a side-hinged rear door mounted on the left, a solution later deemed impractical for everyday loading. By the late production period, including 1961, Borgward had adopted an upward-opening, top-hinged tailgate. This change not only improved usability but also gives late Combis a clearly identifiable visual signature.

Inside, the Isabella’s cabin was described as bright and modern. The interior design emphasized clarity and openness, with a two-spoke steering wheel that immediately drew attention and conveyed a sense of contemporary elegance. Large windows contributed to an airy feeling, while the overall layout reflected Borgward’s intent to blend practicality with a refined driving environment.

Historical Significance:

The Isabella name itself emerged almost casually. When asked whether the new mid-range Borgward prototypes should receive a designation, Carl F. W. Borgward reportedly replied, “Schreibt meinetwegen Isabella drauf.” What followed was one of the most recognizable German cars of the post-war period. Introduced in 1954, the Isabella quickly became a symbol of the economic recovery years, offering strong performance and modern engineering in a refined package.

Borgward’s broader history adds context to the Isabella’s importance. Carl F. W. Borgward had taken over Hansa-Lloyd as early as 1929, later reorganizing the brand structure after the Second World War. Borgward became the premium name, Lloyd covered the small-car segment, and Hansa filled the lower mid-range. Earlier Hansa models had already made history with innovations such as pontoon bodywork, electric indicators, and automatic transmission.

Within this lineage, the Isabella stood out as a true classic. While the saloon and coupé often received the spotlight, the Combi extended the Isabella concept into a practical estate form. Total Combi production across all years amounted to 37,346 units, with 2,205 examples built in 1961 and only a handful assembled thereafter. Notably, the Isabella continued to be produced even after the collapse of the Borgward Group, with the final cars completed in 1962 using remaining parts from the bankruptcy inventory.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

Among enthusiasts, the Isabella Combi is often discussed for its rear-door evolution. The shift from a left-hinged rear door to an upward-opening tailgate is more than a footnote; it is a key identifier used today to distinguish early from late production cars. For owners, it also directly affected everyday loading and usability, making it one of the Combi’s most talked-about quirks.

Another period-specific characteristic noted in Borgward club literature concerns rear-axle behavior. Like many post-war German estates, the Isabella Combi could exhibit hopping or transient instability on rough surfaces under certain conditions, particularly when driven on original-spec wheels and tires. This trait is not unique to Borgward but is part of the authentic driving experience of a classic-era estate car.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden in 2021. This event, held annually in the spa town’s Kurpark and along the Kaiserallee, is one of Germany’s most picturesque classic car gatherings. In 2021, the 44th edition featured 300 vintage vehicles from 80 different brands, including rare models. The event embraced a 1970s theme, showcasing over 40 vehicles from that era. An innovative highlight was the “automobile fashion show,” where models presented current fashion trends while riding in open-top classic cars through the park. The event concluded with the traditional Concours d’élégance, awarding 120 prizes across 15 categories.

Conclusion:

The 1961 Borgward Isabella Combi represents a distinctive blend of performance, practicality, and mid-century design. Its solid technical specification, thoughtfully evolved estate body, and bright, modern interior illustrate Borgward’s ambition to offer more than just basic transport. Historically, the Combi forms part of the broader Isabella story, one closely tied to Germany’s post-war optimism and the dramatic collapse of one of its major manufacturers. Today, details such as production numbers, tailgate design, and factory specifications make the Isabella Combi a rewarding subject for collectors and enthusiasts interested in a practical yet characterful classic car.