Gorgeous 1959 Goliath Tiger Sport Coupe Uber Rare Fresh Restoration VIDEO

Thanks for taking a look at our 1959 Borgward Goliath Tiger 1100 Coupe. If you’ve never heard of a Goliath, you are not alone! Most people haven’t. But, if you’ve ever been able to lay your hands on one, they are impossible to forget. Absurdly rare in the wild and especially so in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition, this Tiger is without peers.

This unique 1959 Goliath Tiger 1100 sport coupe, is powered by an equally unique drivetrain. Revolutionary for its time, it features a Borgward designed, water cooled, 1100 cc flat four boxer engine, front wheel drive and a fully synchronized 4 speed transmission.

We acquired this vehicle in 2015 and performed extensive refurbishment on a solid, original paint, California car. The vehicle's body and structure showed no signs of ever needing repair. Cosmetic work included full repaint, upholstered interior, dash and gauges, with refurbishment of chrome and stainless. The engine was inspected, cleaned, and recommissioned, needing little and kept true to its originality. The brakes and steering have been gone through. The car is a multiple award winner from this year's Monterey speed week, participated in their tour, and runs, drives and stops well. The car provides an unusually satisfying driving experience with the raspy sound of the little boxer engine, "sliding tube" shifter (which is an art unto itself, to smoothly shift), and period bias ply Coker wide white wall tires. This Goliath is sold with documentation of the refresh, a selection of spare parts, and a clean California title.

The car was refurbished with the intent to retain originality. The windshield wiper arms are not fitted in the photos, but a set is included, with a third to be used as a spare. The cars is also fitted with the rare factory option of chromed tubular bumper over-riders.

The Goliath was only built from 1958-1961, as a subsidiary of Borgward, and used primarily in-house designed mechanical parts from the parent company. Other innovative mechanical oddities included front transverse leaf spring suspension mounted OVER the engine, rack and pinion mounted "on high", and a water pump mated as an integral unit with the electrical generator. Check out the “Suicide” vent windows! Yes, they do work a lot better facing that way! This Goliath is the desireable 2 seat "sports coupe" model of the line. The body on this example, was quite solid when it came to us. Though rust was minimal, the floors were replaced as a precaution. All of the original trim is excellent.

The materials and the patterns for the seats and interior trim are an excellent match, as can be seen in the gallery. The factory two spoke steering wheel and Tiger horn ring are stunning and the interior contains beautiful details, such as the contrasting red dash and steering column stalks, with the white Bakelite style lever tips and knobs.

According to the included January 1959 Road & Track road test, the Goliath 1100cc flat four could produce 61 hp and could provide a top speed of about 85 miles per hour. Road & Track noted that one horsepower per cubic inch was class leading in 1959. The car retains its original 6 volt electrical system.

Even though few Tiger Sport Coupes were produced, many differences between cars can be noted. This one features the most sought after cosmetic combination, big finned tail lights, scalloped side trim and tubular bumper over riders.

The trunk is tidy with original jack and lug wrench fitted. The spare wheel is fitted with a new tire.

We purchased three Goliaths from a collection last year, including this coupe, a Kombi, and a 2 door Saloon that was sold to a collector in Washington. The previous owner drove this car for several years until he deemed that it required mechanical attention, and parked it. His mechanical concerns were addressed. The car's original condition prior to its recent refresh can be seen in the gallery.

Several extras are included with the car, such as the original owners handbook (a 2 inch thick book, workshop repair manual with handwritten entries), a copy of the 1959 Road & Track article that features the Tiger, a good supply of spare parts, a car show display board and a thick build book including pictures and documentation of the refurbishments performed.

By far the most interesting aspect of the short lived Goliath, was the long term mechanical legacy of its revolutionary drivetrain. Today’s Subaru vehicles, front wheel drive and boxer engine setup provide a familiar reminder of a revolutionary design from some 60 years ago.

Our first outing for the Tiger was Monterey Speed Week just last month. You may have seen us in the paddock at Laguna Seca Raceway during the Monterey Motorsports Reunion and out and about in Monterey and Carmel. We also entered The Little Car Show in Pacific Grove and took home two trophies. Lots of photos on our facebook page fb/driven.co.

This Goliath is a fun little driver that will stand out in a crowd, will likely continue to rack up awards at car shows, and amaze enthusiasts with its functional odd-ball mechanicals.

A California car that spent its life in dry inland Ramona California, this Goliath Tiger is essentially one of a kind, gorgeous and she’s ready to enjoy and cruise right now.

Exterior.

Fresh respray in 2016, the paint has been polished and buffed to a high sheen. Gorgeous chrome and polished stainless trim all around.

Interior

Gorgeous new interior. New upholstery, carpet and headliner. Beautiful dash. Tidy everywhere. New weatherstriping throughout.

Underneath

Highly detailed and just as nice under the car with a new exhaust system, shocks and a new floor.

Wheels Tires

New Coker tires. Fully restored wheels, chrome caps.

Engine

1100 cc of fire breathing boxer power pushing out 61 HP. Fresh carb rebuild, Engine detail. New exhaust with period tail pipe tip. Rebuilt generator. New fuel pump, hoses and belts.

Trunk

Reconditioned gas tank, sender and all new fuel lines. Tools and jack present with spare and new tire. Tire cover

Battery

New 6 volt Interstate Battery with warranty.

Service

Fresh tune up, oil change, filter, plugs, wires etc.

Odometer

The odometer shows 49,000 plus miles. This is a five digit odometer and works properly

Title

Clear California title.

Documentation

A thick build book with pictures, receipts and documentation is included. The original owner’s manual with handwritten notes and a car show display board are included.

Please come inspect this great 1959 Borgward Goliath Tiger before the auction ends. We are happy to meet you and show her off. Please keep in mind that this is a used car....a 57 year old used car. It is not anything like that new soul sucking appliance your aunt betty drives. If that’s what you are after, this is not your car, nor your era.

If you want to invest in something few others will ever own and take home a ton of trophies, you’re in the right place. Guaranteed, your buddies don’t have one. (caveat emptor-Evan!)

Recently featured on Bring A Trailer, we really appreciated the kind comments and observations:

“Wow, another car I’d never heard of before seeing here. Looks like quite the conversation starter if the buyer is planning on showing it!”

“This? Or the red Mercedes featured below it? Sorry, but I think I’d rather own this Goliath.”

“Absolutely beautiful restoration.”

“A Goliath??!! Eeek!! “Bring a Slingshot”! Joking aside, this a really good looking, beautifully restored car. I particularly love all the (nicely re-done) chrome trim, contrasting with and setting off the red body paint and white roof and wheels and the beautiful matching red & white interior. Very stylish!”

“Was this car in and around the paddock at this years Monterey Motorsports Reunion?”

“I have never seen a Goliath in such perfect shape, how wonderful! But will there be a discount for bidders named “David”? GLWS!”

“Amazing restoration, especially considering the paucity of replacement spares. This must have been very expensive.”

“The seller does amazing work. They bought a very sorry excuse of a Reliant Regal from me a couple years ago and in no time had it looking better than new. Very professional in their dealings with me, I was impressed. He even kept in touch with me after the sale to appraise me on the progress of the restoration.”

Please enjoy this brief video walk around and test drive (and that boxer exhaust note!)

Please, no after auction games. Please have your permissions and funds in order before bidding.

Thanks for checking out our auction. We have some other interesting and cool cars here as well as a lot more pictures of this vehicle.

Thank you for helping to support Workshops for Warriors. Our American soldiers have given their all and deserve our best.

Many of our auctions end early as vehicles are advertised elsewhere or offers are made for cash or trade. If something strikes your fancy, give us a call or email before it's too late. 949-234-6353 Dale ext 207, dale@driven.co, Tomo ext 201, tomo@driven.co

Thanks!