[Note: Peter's advice to Borgward to hook up with a distributor of an American Line, might have been a good idea for Borgward!]
1 December 1959
Carl F.W. Borgward G.M.B.H.
Bremen, Germany
Gentlemen:
In August 1957, I purchased a Borgward "Isabella" from a local agency. I am 50 years old, I am a police officer with the State of Wisconsin, and have been driving for over 30 years. In my daily routine I drive such well known cars as Ford. Plymouth. Chevrolet, and other standard American makes. During many years of duty with the Armed Forces in the European Theater I have had the opportunity to test most foreign cars. In fact, I have made it a point to try them all, from Rolls Royce and Bentley's to DKW's.
I have come to the conclusion that you people built the world's finest car - in its class. They come bigger, more luxurious, faster, more powerful, etc., etc., but no other car approaches the Borgward in dependability, economy of operation, and quality of construction.
My Borgward has stood outside in 30 degrees below zero for 48 hours, it started at once. I have noticed numerous expensive cars unable to start under similar conditions. The body construction on my Borgward is so tight that neither draft nor dust enter when doors and windows are closed.
The maneuverability of this car is such, that to negotiate big city traffic is a snap, yet on the open highway it has sufficient pep to cruise at 75 mph with ease. I have averaged 30 mph per gallon in city traffic and do considerably better on the open highway.
In the 2 years - and well over 25,000 miles - I have driven this car, there have been no breakdowns of any kind. I have, of course, serviced it well, I have replaced the sparkplugs, I have changed filters, I have put on a new muffler, but there have been no mechanical failures whatsoever. And there, I believe, lies your greatest asset, the motor in the Borgward is of outstanding quality, yet so simple, that any good mechanic could effect repairs in short order if necessary.
I am writing this letter for several reasons. First of all, I sincerely feel that the Borgward is the answer to the many people who are still looking for a dependable economy car. Secondly, I hope you at the Borgward factory will do a little more to promote your excellent product. I notice with some misgivings that other small car manufactures are getting a solid foothold in the U.S. market, having tied up with regular distributors in the American line. I hope Borgward will remain and expand in the Americas. No finer car is available.
Yours very truly,
Peter Ro..........
Wisconsin, USA
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