Highlights

Incredibly scarce Borgward Isabella Combi
Comprehensively restored between 2015 and 2023
Only two former registered keepers
Extensive history file, including the original 1957 purchase contract

The Appeal

Borgward's Isabella is rightfully praised as the saloon that deserved far better than it got. Beautifully understated and handsomely styled, these pretty cars boasted an advanced aluminium-alloy body and build quality only a German marque could offer. Sadly, Borgward was feeling a cashflow squeeze for quite some time, and by the early 1960s, the writing was on the wall. The Isabella was their swansong, and what an exit it was.

Of the beautiful Isabellas, the Combi estate variant is among the rarest of the range. Produced in far smaller numbers than its saloon and coupé siblings at Borgward's Bremen factory, surviving Combis are exceptionally scarce and prove to be amongst the most eminently practical, drivable members of the lineage.

This 1957 example has had just three registered keepers from new and benefits from a remarkably well-documented life, with the original purchase contract from nearly 70 years ago still accompanying the car. Having spent decades in barn storage, it was the subject of a thorough restoration between 2015 and 2023, and the vendor describes it as being in fantastic condition throughout, reporting that it starts immediately and is a genuine pleasure to drive. It's a rare curio, and well worthy of your attention.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1957 in Sweden
Three registered keepers from new, including the current seller
Previous keeper was a classic car collector who owned the car from 1979
Used daily until 1982, then placed into barn storage
Extensive restoration commenced in 2015 at the specialist body shop Bring Back Classic
Restoration completed in 2021 with a final inspection and assignment of a new registration number
Original registration plates included with the car
The vendor reports an extensive history file is available, including the original 1957 purchase contract
MOT exempt
Odometer shows 33,000 km; the vehicle is believed to have covered approximately 133,000 km in total

The Condition

The vendor describes the car as being in fantastic condition following its comprehensive restoration
Stripped to bare metal, rust addressed, body panels restored, and repainted in its original colour
Impressive, well-presented bodywork with fine paintwork
Brightwork contrasts nicely
New chrome bumpers fitted in 2023
Driver's door requires slight adjustment to close tightly
Attractive wheels with chrome hubcaps and good tyres
Underside reported to be solid and well-kept
The vendor notes that the interior presents well
Original seats, dashboard, and gauges preserved
New carpets and headliner fitted

The Mechanics

1,493cc straight-four engine
Four-speed manual transmission
Engine bay in good order
Believed to be very mechanically standard
Engine, gearbox, and rear axle inspected and refurbished, with many worn parts replaced during restoration
The vendor reports the car starts immediately and is a pleasure to drive, with the mechanicals in fine fettle

BEFORE YOU BUY

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✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

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