Description
Borgward Hansa 1500 Sportcoupe
Prototype/ design study – only 2 examples built
In 1954, first presented at the Geneva Motor Show
Street version of the so‑called “Le Mans Racing Coupe”
Central locking wheels, wheel boards made from rolled and riveted aluminium sheet (special order from Kronprinz, Solingen).
Hydraulic braking system with oversized alloy brake drums and ribbed for cooling
The Borgward Hansa 1500 Sport Coupe (street version) from 1954 was equipped with the first racing engine developed by Borgward. Prior to this, Borgward had, with the three so‑called “Le Mans Racing Coupes,” established a foothold in motorsport at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The new price was around 18, 000 DM more expensive than a 356. The inline four‑cylinder was a completely new development with hemispherical combustion chambers, two Solex carburettors and a side camshaft. Among the features were a steel bodied car, doors, bonnet and dashboard made from aluminium. The power output was a notable 80 hp. The strongest Porsche 356 at that time with the same displacement had only 70 hp and was 10 km/ h slower. However the Borgward was also almost 4, 000 DM more expensive, which severely limited its sales prospects. The project was not pursued further. The engine, however, became the basis for many of the subsequent racing cars from Borgward, with which they competed in national as well as international races. For example in 1959 Stirling Moss drove a Cooper T51 with the Borgward engine to four wins.
After the presentation of our car at the Geneva Motor Show, the car went to Andre Stauffer, the general representative for Borgward in the canton of Vaud. His logo still graces the rear window and the instrument panel today. Mr. Stauffer drove it in August 1956 in the hill climb “Grand Prix Suisse de la Montagne.”
For more than 25 years it has been in the current ownership in Germany. The owner has carefully restored the car without damaging its beautiful original condition. The interior has remained unrestored to this day. Since then he has taken part with the unique vehicle in countless rallies, Concours d’Elegance and meet‑ups of German automotive history.
