Lloyd 600 (1955 – 1962) Review

The West German Lloyd company was a subsidiary of Borgward, and existed as a separate company merely to allow its parent to claim a larger allowance of steel – as the distribution of this was being strictly rationed by the government and two companies would be entitled to more. Despite that and because of these shortages, Lloyds were made from fabric body panels stretched over a wooden frame. The prices were low, and the cars very economical to own. They also featured twin-cylinder air-cooled engines.

The bigger-engined LP600 version, introduced in 1955, featured an all-new four-stroke overhead camshaft, two-cylinder engine. After 1957, it was renamed the Alexander, and gained fully independent suspension and a four-speed gearbox, with the added option of Saxomat automatic transmission. It was quicker off the mark than its main rival, the popular Volkswagen Beetle because of its lightweight construction, but had a higher price, which saw its success wane as the 1950s progressed. A van-like version called the LT600 was added to the range to give it more appeal – and featured an additional row of seats, as well as smart looking convertible – but it wasn’t enough to save the company.