Space Ship

Borgward came and went within a single decade, but used their years well, producing a rather interesting and innovative variety of cars in the years 1952-62. The most successful was the Isabella; over 200,000 of those puppies were built.

Only one of our subject car was cobbled together, and the 1955 Borgward Traumwagen looks like a design lifted from a science fiction novella. I’d like to know which one; here on Earth, Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Borgward’s idea was to produce the ultimate dream car in mass production. Unfortunately the dream never went further than the one-off, which was badly damaged during a test drive in 1955. Repairs and modifications were made, and further testing (possibly including signals sent to, and received from, the Mother Ship) went on until early 1958.

This aluminum-skinned car had many unique features; a few of note were that it was front wheel drive, and powered by a 4-cylinder boxer engine mated to an 8 speed hydraulic transmission. It’s reputed to have reached top speeds of just over 124 mph. No one will get the chance to try it again; the Traumwagen was scrapped in the early 1960’s, after the demise of the company. 

What a surprise to see this terrific model from Premium Classixxs. It’s the first release from their new “Unique-Edition” range - a planned series of very high quality, limited edition hand built models of unusual and unique cars that have not yet been modeled in 1:43 scale, with each selected replica in the series getting only one shot at production, never to be reissued. As a collector, I prefer that approach.

She’s a sizable piece, measuring just over 5” in length from her nose to her pointy, rocket-tipped fins. This is one finely made resin model, into which Premium has added extra weight for those collectors who desire a heavier feel. The model has a wonderful simulated hand beaten raw aluminum finish; between the added weight and the paint finish you’d never know this was a resin bodied replica (and why would anyone care, anyway? Jeez.)

I can’t vouch for the model’s accuracy, since I’ve only seen one photo of a rear 3/4 view, but what I see looks very convincing, maybe not one hundred percent,  but a damned-close-enough ninety eight. The fit and finish of the thing is impeccable. There’s a good amount of detail on the exterior, and it’s been matched by a very healthy dose inside, which can all be seen though the vast,  absolutely crystal clear glass greenhouse.

Each model comes mounted in a good sized plastic display box, with a paper printed cobblestone road surface. Mold costs being what they are, the Traumwagen is also available in a similar gold finish (and, no, the real car was never that color). Each of the two versions is limited to 750 pieces.

My only criticism: a complete and total lack of any information about the car this model was patterned after. People might be more interested if you tell them what they’re buying (and, in this case, what planet it may have hailed from).

It’s a wonderful model - and a heck of a good value, as well.

Premium Classixx 1955 Borgward “Traumwagen”, item 18045, around $95.00. www.bub-toys.com. 

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