in 1948, race driver and engineer Wolfgang Denzel started producing his own sports cars based on Volkswagen components that were raced almost exclusively in Austria. These took advantage of the war-surplus Volkswagen Kübelwagen components and became more specialized as throughout Denzels production period.
By 1952, Denzel was manufacturing their own box and tubular-steel chassis that was lighter than both the VW and Porsche counterparts. This culminated with the 1300 Serien Super or SS.
As many Denzels were prepared for motorsports with specially-made engines, the most potent being a 1500cc engine with a specially made crankshaft and rods and pistons.
A short wheel base of 2.1 meters, the Denzel uses the suspension system and engines from Volkswagen. Bodies were at first custom made from steel and later in aluminum. In 1958 the Serien Super raised power output of the Denzel from 53 bhp to 65 bhp. It was direct competition to the Porsche 356.
By 1960 Denzel had built about 65 sports cars and tooled up for production of the BMW 600.
1957 Denzel 1300 Gallery
See full 1957 Denzel 1300 Gallery here
In Detail
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1957 – 1960 |
| built at | Vienna, Austria |
| engine | Volkswagen Boxer-4 |
| position | Rear, Longitudinal |
| valvetrain | OHV |
| fuel feed | 2 Solex Carburetors |
| displacement | 1281 cc / 78.17 in³ |
| bore | 78 mm / 3.1 in |
| stroke | 67 mm / 2.6 in |
| compression | 8.5:1 |
| power | 48.5 kw / 65 bhp @ 5400 rpm |
| specific output | 50.74 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 103.17 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 96 nm / 70.8 ft lbs |
| body / frame | Box Section Steel with Tubular Steel |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| steering | Worm & Nut |
| curb weight | 630 kg / 1389 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2100 mm / 82.7 in |
| front track | 1308 mm / 51.5 in |
| rear track | 1308 mm / 51.5 in |
| length | 3607 mm / 142.0 in |
| width | 1620 mm / 63.8 in |
| height | 1200 mm / 47.2 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| final drive | 3.80:1 |
| top speed | ~165.73 kph / 103 mph |
| fuel capacity | 54.6 litres or 14.41 gal. |
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