Borgward Model History

Germany · founded 1929

Bremen-based German automaker (1929–1961) whose elegant Isabella sedan defined West German post-war premium motoring before a controversial 1961 bankruptcy ended the marque.

Models

Hansa 1500

Borgward's post-war comeback model (1949–1954), widely regarded as the first all-new German car launched after World War II.

Family car · 1949–1954
Hansa 1800

A larger-engined companion to the Hansa 1500, introduced in 1952 and available with a diesel option from 1953.

Family car · 1952–1954
Hansa 2400

Borgward's flagship six-cylinder saloon (1952–1959), the largest and most prestigious car the Bremen firm ever offered before the P100.

Luxury car · 1952–1959
Isabella

Borgward's most successful model (1954–1961) — an elegant 1.5-litre compact offered in sedan, coupé, convertible, and estate forms, with over 202,000 built.

Compact car · 1954–1961
Hansa 1500 RS

Borgward's factory sports-racing car (1954–1958), notable for a technologically advanced 16-valve DOHC direct-injection engine years before such technology became mainstream.

Racing car · 1954–1958
P100

Borgward's final flagship (1960–1961) — a 100 bhp six-cylinder saloon distinguished as the first German production car to offer self-levelling pneumatic suspension.

Luxury car · 1960–1961

Other makes