Borgward P100

Infobox Automobile


name = Borgward P100
manufacturer = Carl F. W. Borgward GmbH
production = June 1959 – 1961
2,530 Cite web|url= http://www.borgwardclub.nl/modellen/borgward/borgward.htm|title=Production statistics for principal Borgward models in the 1950s per the Dutch Borgward Club|accessdate=2008-02-16|work=carfolio.com] built by Borgward
predecessor = Borgward Hansa 2400 Pullman
successor =
body_style = 4 door saloon
engine = 2240 cc straight-6
layout=FR layout
transmission = 4 speed
all-synchromesh manual
length = Auto mm|4715
width = Auto mm|1738
height = Auto mm|1420
weight = Auto kg|1650 (loaded)
wheelbase = Auto mm|2650
track =
fuel_capacity=Convert|61|L|usgal impgal|1|abbr=on cite book |last=Borgward GbmH |first=Carl |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Sales Brochure for the Borgward P100|year=1960 |publisher=Bogward |location=Bremen |id= ]
related =
similar =
designer = The Borgward P100 is a large four door saloon first presented in September 1959cite book |last=Gloor |first=Roger |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Alle Autos der 50er Jahre 1945 - 1960|year=1. Auflage 2007 |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |id=ISBN 978-3-613-02808-1] at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and produced by the Bremen based auto-manufacturer Carl F. W. Borgward GmbH between January 1960 and July 1961.

The Car

The design featured the three box form pioneered by Borgward in 1949, but now filled out to the relatively angular corners, reminiscent of the style being popularised by Pininfarina with designs such as that of the Fiat 1800. Like the Farina designs, the P100 featured small angular tailfins.

The P100 followed the structural approach of the existing Isabella, incorporating an integral chassiscite book |last=Gloor |first=Roger |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Alle Autos der 50er Jahre 1945 - 1960|year=1. Auflage 2007 |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |id=ISBN 978-3-613-02808-1] .

The straight-6 2240 cc engine derived from that fitted in earlier Borgward six cylinder sedans, of which the most recent had been the Borgward Hansa 2400 Pullman. Advertised performance figures included a power output of 100 bhp and a maximum speed of virtually 100 mph (160 km/h).

Contemporary publicity material highlighted the car’s revolutionary self levelling air suspension.

Commercial

The P100 was competing in the six cylinder sedan sector which through the 1950s had become ever more dominated by Mercedes-Benz, whose 220SE model also received a modern chiselled body shape in 1960. Borgward’s previous six cylinder sedans had achieved only limited market penetration, and early reports that the P100 was confirming Borgward’s reputation for introducing new models beset by teething troubles suggested that despite its technically adventurous suspension and modern style, the P100 might struggle to compete against Stuttgart’s well established reputation for producing dependable sedans. Nevertheless, during its nineteen months in production, the P100 notched up over 2,500 cars produced, putting it on course usefully to outperform earlier six cylinder Borgwards in the market place. Sadly, the controversial bankruptcy of the business in 1961 brought P100 production to an abrupt halt.

The model also enjoyed a brief afterlife: the production line was sold and shipped to Mexico where between 1967 and 1970 more than 2,000 additional P100s were produced.

Sources and further reading