SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Lloyd Motorenwerke GmbH

Origin: Bremen, Germany

Production: 106,200

Motor: Borgward 2-cyl, 2-stroke

Displacement: 386 cc

Power: 13 hp

Length: 11 ft.

Identification No. 55549

The LP 300 was the right car at the right time, but its development was never far from Borgward’s active mind, and his interest could on occasion be interpreted as “meddling” by the engineering department. The motor was increased in size for more power, and the noise issues, like the howling fan, were addressed.

The basic design was considered to be sound, with the heavy central-tube frame with outriggers and steel floor being well up to the job. The wooden body frame was covered in sheet plywood, with compound curved sections made from steel, and the whole being covered in thin felt and then tightly-stretched leathercloth. This construction was carried over for the first few months of the 400, but the doors and fenders were soon made completely in steel by Karmann, the panels being nailed onto the frame. The second series received a steel hood as well.

The appearance of the 400 differed little from the 300. The Lloyd triangle was now in the grille, the parking lamps were now below the headlamps, and an “L” shaped hood ornament, dubbed “the meathook,” was now front and center; production would carry on until the end of 1957. This nicely restored example has been refinished in green with a Forest Green leathercloth top. Contrast is offered by the light wheels and the lively orange, black, and grey plaid interior.