German automobile manufacturer Borgward introduced the superbly styled Isabella in 1954 and thanks to its smartly placed pricing and the enthusiastic reception it received, it became the best-selling model before the unfortunate demise of the brand in 1961.
As production only lasted 8 years, good examples of Isabella are becoming increasingly rare, this saloon variant has survived the test of time thanks to spending a vast amount of its life in a German museum.
Its spectacular styling appears to adopt elements from both German luxury with a hint of American flair, resulting in a beautiful car inside and out.
Inside the Isabella, you’re greeted with a pleasant environment built off of splendour and luxury.
The brown trim is in great order overall, with only a few blemishes present which have been photographed. The colour scheme of brown, ivory and gold adds a deluxe feel to the car, with the styling of the dash almost what you would expect in an upper market American car.
The multiple aftermarket floor mats cover the otherwise bare floor, but there's no sign of anything under toward. In summary, the interior is brilliant, stylish and enjoyable. Easy to see why the car became such a hit in the short time it was produced
The highlight of this car for us is the paint colour, the Havana Beige is gorgeous, a light coffee colour and super accompaniment to the interior. The additional brightwork styling is beautiful, with details on the bonnet and sides adding the prestigious look Bogward was aiming for.
Overall, this is a fantastic-looking car in great condition. We wouldn't be surprised to learn if this is one of the best on the market at this moment in time.
During our visit, the car was started and manoeuvred multiple times each time the 1493cc engine sprung into action calmly and without dramatics.
The soft rumble of the straight-4 provided a pleasing, vintage note, operating sweetly as the car was moved around. A recent oil and filter service was carried out, plus a new battery and MOT earlier in the year.
Post import, the brake lights were replaced with UK legal versions plus replacement tyres all round. The car is reported to be in great mechanical condition, with no known areas of concern.
The short-lived Isabella is a fantastic and attractive car and becoming increasingly rare due to the short production run. In its time it put Borgward at the top of the German market and planted the name in history as one of the great forgotten brands.
It is reluctantly being put up for sale for the first time since it left the German museum and arrived here in the UK, only being sold due to the vendors relocating.
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1954 Borgward Isabella
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