Packard Forum Index » General

Quote:

Steve (58L8134), where if not in Germany a car has to drive hour after hour at high-speed?

Quote:

The opposite is true or at least the wording doesn't reflect the prevailing opinions of writers on this subject. The Isabella's haven't been designated for the U.S. market but customers in overseas bought them in spite because of the breakneck exchange rate of 1$ : 4.2 Deutschmark.


image source: amazon.com

Attach file:

---

  (37.19 KB)

Hi Guscha

If what's written in this Borgward overview of the corporate troubles at the time is true, their qualities to compete in the American market are moot.

blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2013/11/13/b ... history-of-the-borgward-automobile/

At $3,750 U.S. for the 1960 Isabella coupe put it in an extremely disadvantageous position relative to other cars of its type here. The major one would be the Corvair Monza which base priced at about $2,200, would take considerable optioning up to arrive at the Isabella entry price.

Shortly, the compact segment would be flooded with choices sporting four speed sticks, bucket seats, V6 and V8 engines, even turbocharging, squeezing out import competitors. As far as dealer coverage, 500 plus was less than what Studebaker had at the time, spread thinly over this vast country. Studebaker sales were hampered by that lack of dealer representation as well, in addition to all the other problems they faced.

Steve

Steve (58L8134), correct me if I am wrong but the previous day their quality was the reason to fail in the U.S market. To quote you:

Quote:
Now the talk revolves exclusively around the price (and the quality took a backseat).
And there is another shift. The previous day it was about the perception of their price. To quote you:

Quote:
Now the talk is about their price (and the price perception took a backseat as well).
If that means that the price was comparatively high but quality and price perception were competitive, then I agree.
Consequently, the majority of the Borgward Isabella coupes made their way into the U.S.market, when Hemmings is to be believed and to invoke the same source as you (but a different edition):

"The Isabella was a bull's-eye in the mid-priced sedan market segment."






image source: vintage-original-ads.com

Another car with ongoing identity crisis is the below shown mid-1930s ambulance.



In spring it was labeled as 1927 Single Six.



Now it serves under 1928 Model 533 "Saloon".

Attach file:

---

  (71.76 KB)


  (35.66 KB)

What part of "1934" don't they get? Since it says "saloon" I'm suprised they didn't call it a Rolls-Royce!

Quote:

The second part.
A little odd for a museum to trifle with the own appearance, I admit. Well, it can't be helped.
Last month the focus of the touring exhibition was on muscle cars.

Attach file:

---

  (13.41 KB)


  (67.01 KB)

Quote:

I've tried to gain entrance into what promises to be a superior collection of all kind of cars but that isn't easy. What you need are two things, a group of 15 people and an invitation. According to the receptionist the odds are long, especially in the summertime.
O_D did his best to promote the name D'Ieteren. For years there are interesting hints and appetizers:

-> 2007/12/11
-> 2010/2/2
-> 2010/12/17
-> 2012/1/23
-> 2012/5/9
-> 2013/9/10
-> 2014/11/4

After oiling my telephone voice I called the above mentioned receptionist (female). To struggle against a bad patch extends them. It turned out that the museum is closed for renovation. But thereafter things took an unexpected turn. She advised me to chance my luck with the help of another telephone number. I called and got an invitation for the next day (today). The door opened a tiny crack ... for me alone.

-> To be continued.

Attach file:

---

  (84.82 KB)

I was fortunate to visit the museum about 20 years ago. One of my favorite museums!!!!
I made a video of the entire collection as I walked around and talked to the camera.
As I was leaving, the Director of the Museum stopped me and pressured me to pay an admission for my camcorder....
It was well worth it. I have enjoyed revisiting the museum numerous time.
At the time, there was also a custom '47 limo with a clam shell top to allow the owner (a Catholic Bishop) to enter without bending over because of back problems.