1957→1960 Denzel 1300

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.