What is a Borgward Isabella?
The Borgward group where based in Bremen, West Germany. Originally a manufacturer
of automotive components and later cars after the second World
War. The Isabella was produced from 1954 – 1961 when the company went bankrupt.
The Isabella has a monocoque construction with a swing axle at the back supported by coil springs on all four wheels. The four-cylinder 1493 cc engine had 60 bhp, a hydraulic clutch and four speed full synchromesh gear box using a column mounted lever.
Borgward Isabella
This project started with the owners interest in the marque after reading about its success in the 1957 British Saloon Car Champonship in the hands of Bill Blydenstein. The unusual nature of this car appealed to the organisers of the Goodwood Revival meeting and it gained an entry to the event.
The car was bought as a wreck having been stored for many years in a barn. Much of the floor and seals had to be replaced before the car was transformed into the class winner above.
Back in 1957 the Isabella could achieve a lap of Goodwood in 1.57, today this car can lap the circuit in 1.49.
Key points carried out by CSR on this project included:
- Shell rebuilt from £200 EBay wreck
- Rebuilt and modified suspension
- Installed rollcage
- Lightened where possible
- Engine and gearbox rebuilds
CSR run the car for the owner including, storing, transporting, preparing and servicing.
Borgward Isabella Restoration in Pictures
Seals replaced and roll cage going in
Roll cage being fitted
Front suspension before renovation
Back from the paint shop ready for reassembly
Interior almost completed
The Isabella’s immaculate engine-bay.
