This 1959 Goliath Tiger 1100 is a unique two-seat sports coupe powered by an 1100cc flat-four mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. The selling dealer acquired this example last year and performed an extensive refurbishment to get it back on the road. Cosmetic work included a full repaint, refinished chrome trim, and a reupholstered interior with refurbished dash and instrumentation. The engine was inspected, cleaned, and recommissioned, and the brakes and steering have also been gone through. The car won a number of awards at this year’s Monterey Speed Week and has performed well at local shows. This Goliath is sold with documentation of the refresh, a selection of spare parts, and a clean California title.

The car was returned to as close to its original specification as possible, though there are some small items that the seller was not able to source. The badging on the rear quarters comes from a Sunbeam Tiger, and black weatherstripping was used on the windscreen and rear window rather than the original white. The windshield wiper arms are not fitted in the photos, but a set is included along with a third for use as a spare.

The Goliath was built from 1958-1961 as a subsidiary of Borgward, and used in-house designed mechanical parts from the parent company. Innovative mechanical features included front transverse suspension and steering rack mounted over the engine, and a water pump mated as an integral unit with the electrical generator. This Goliath is the desireable 2 seat “sports” model, and the body on this example was quite solid when it came to the seller. Though rust was said to be fairly minimal, the floors were replaced as a precaution.

This car retains its original bumpers with overriders. The chrome was redone at the time of the restoration and appears to retain a very nice finish. Apart from the aforementioned items, all of the original trim looks to be present. The finned taillights, scalloped side trim, and tubular overriders are reportedly a sought-after combination.

The materials and the patterns for the seats and interior trim appear to be a good match, as can be seen in the gallery. The factory two spoke steering wheel and Tiger horn ring appear to be in good condition, and the interior contains nice details, such as the contrasting red dash and steering column stalks with the white Bakelite type lever tips and knobs. The shifter is a sliding-tube type, and according to the seller it is a unique piece to use. The 49k indicated miles are said to be accurate.

The Tiger is a two seater, but features a small bench-like parcel shelf behind the seats. The two-tone vinyl and red carpets appear well matched throughout the cabin. White vinyl also makes up the headliner and covers the A, B, and C pillars.

According to the attached Road & Track road test, the Borgward-developed 1100cc flat-four was good for 61 horsepower when new, and could provide a top speed of around 85 miles per hour. Road & Track notes that the one horsepower per cubic inch was class-leading at the time.

The car is said to run, drive, and stop well, though second gear can be sticky when the transmission is cold. An electric fuel pump has been added, though the car retains its 6V electrical system. The seller notes that a spare water pump should be carried if the car is used for long-distance touring due to its unique design.

The trunk appears tidy with the original lug wrench and jack still fitted. The spare wheel has been refinished and fitted with a new tire.

The seller purchased several of these cars last year, including this coupe and a two door sedan that was featured on BaT last year. The previous owner of this car drove it for several years until the water pump failed. Its condition prior to the recent refresh can be seen above.

Several extras are included with the car, including the original Goliath owner’s handbook with handwritten entries, the January, 1959 issue of Road and Track that featured the Tiger, some spares, and a build book with receipts and pictures documenting the refurbishment.

The clever packaging of these cars can still be seen in showrooms today. This Tiger looks like a nice driver that has reportedly been well received at both local and high level shows, including the Librarians Choice and Merchant awards at the Pacific Grove Little Car Show and multiple awards at this year’s Monterrey Speed Week.