1961 Borgward Isabella Coupe – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

By 1962, Borgward declared bankruptcy. Borgward Isabella production continued into 1962 using remaining parts from the bankruptcy estate. As a result, 1961 Coupés are relatively rare survivors today.

Technical Details:

The Borgward Isabella was engineered as a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive passenger car positioned squarely in the German mid-size segment of the 1950s. Power came from a water-cooled inline four-cylinder engine mounted at the front, with a displacement of 1,493 cc. In standard tune, the engine delivered 60 PS at 4,700 rpm, while the more sporting Isabella TS variants reached up to 75 PS at 5,200 rpm. This output enabled a top speed ranging from approximately 135 km/h to as much as 150 km/h, depending on specification.

The mechanical layout remained largely consistent throughout the production run. Notably, the 1961 Borgward Isabella Coupé TS was essentially a continuation of earlier Coupé mechanicals, retaining the proven 1.5-liter inline-four engine without fundamental redesign. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels, and the car featured a steel monocoque body construction. Braking and suspension reflected mid-1950s European standards, emphasizing durability and everyday usability rather than outright sportiness. One technical detail often highlighted in period accounts is the hydraulically operated clutch, which was relatively uncommon among German cars of the era and considered an advanced comfort feature. Overall, the Isabella’s engineering struck a balance between performance, refinement, and reliability, appealing to buyers who wanted more than basic transportation.

• Manufacturer: Borgward
• Model Name: Borgward Isabella (including Isabella Coupé and Coupé TS variants)
• Year of Manufacturing: 1955–1961

Design:

Visually, the Borgward Isabella embodied the clean, modern aesthetic that defined postwar German automotive design. Offered as a two-door sedan and a two-door estate, the range was later joined by the more elegant Coupé, which amplified the model’s aspirational appeal. The steel body featured restrained proportions, smooth surfaces, and a confident stance that avoided excessive ornamentation while still projecting prestige.

Inside, the Borgward Isabella’s cabin was notably bright and modern. The interior design aimed to convey openness and clarity, aligning with contemporary ideas of progress and comfort. One element stood out immediately: The two-spoke steering wheel became a defining visual feature, giving the cockpit a distinctive character. In January 1961, Borgward introduced a revised dashboard across the Isabella range, including Coupé models. The earlier band-style tachometer arrangement was replaced by round instruments, bringing the interior design in line with evolving tastes. Externally, a decorative grille insert, known as the “Ziergitter,” was added behind the radiator opening as a subtle styling update for the 1961 model year. These small but noticeable changes kept the Isabella visually current without altering its fundamental design language.

Historical Significance:

Carl F. W. Borgward’s automotive enterprise had deep roots in German industrial history. As early as 1929, Borgward took over the Hansa-Lloyd brand following the collapse of the NAMAG group. After the Second World War, the company reorganized its model hierarchy: Borgward for larger cars, Lloyd for smaller ones, and Hansa for the lower mid-range. The Hansa 1500 of 1949 marked a breakthrough with its ponton body and electric turn signals, later becoming the first car in Germany to offer an automatic transmission.

Against this backdrop, the Isabella, presented in 1954, emerged as a defining model. According to a frequently repeated anecdote, Carl F. W. Borgward reportedly said “Schreibt meinetwegen Isabella drauf” when asked about naming the prototypes. Whether apocryphal or not, the name stuck. With 60 PS—and later 75 PS in the TS—the Isabella offered performance that rivaled far more expensive cars of the mid-1950s, reaching speeds comparable to a Porsche 356. The Coupé, introduced in 1957, elevated the model’s status further and quickly became the most coveted variant.

By 1961, however, Borgward faced declining demand and mounting financial pressures. Despite public drama surrounding attempts to save the company, bankruptcy followed later that year. Isabella production continued into 1962 using remaining parts from the bankruptcy estate. As a result, 1961 Coupés are relatively rare survivors today, with many known examples appearing on continental European classic-car markets, often equipped with TS engines and notably low original mileage.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The Borgward Isabella’s lore is rich with small but memorable details. The story behind its name remains a favorite among German-speaking classic-car enthusiasts, even if it lacks firm documentation. Period road tests frequently commented on the column-mounted four-speed gearshift, describing its long and slightly notchy travel—entirely typical for its era, yet distinctive by modern standards. The hydraulically operated clutch also drew attention, reinforcing the Isabella’s reputation as technically progressive rather than merely conventional.

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 Borgward Isabella stands as a clear reflection of postwar German ambition and ingenuity. Combining solid engineering, understated yet modern design, and performance that exceeded expectations for its class, it captured the spirit of the economic recovery years. The Coupé and Coupé TS variants, particularly those from the final 1961 production phase, add an extra layer of historical and collector interest. Today, the Isabella remains a compelling example of how thoughtful design and engineering can leave a lasting impression, even as the company behind it fades into history.