WD Denzel 1300: Porsche’s Lesser-Known Competitor from the 1950s

ONCE UPON A TIME - In the world of automotive legends, certain names instantly evoke visions of speed, luxury, and prestige. Ferrari, Porsche, and Jaguar are brands that have defined the sports car industry. Yet, tucked away in the annals of history, there are lesser-known creations that, despite their obscurity, have made remarkable impacts. One such vehicle is the WD Denzel 1300, an Austrian-built sports car that may not share the fame of its rivals, but its story of innovation and racing triumph is just as captivating.

The WD Denzel 1300 (pictured here is a 1957 model), constructed using salvaged wartime parts, emerged as a strong rival to Porsche and other established brands during the 1950s. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

The origins of the WD Denzel 1300 trace back to the post-World War II era. In 1948, Europe was still reeling from the devastation caused by the war. Industries across the continent were slowly rebuilding, and resources were scarce. However, for an Austrian engineer and race car driver Wolfgang Denzel, this challenging time represented an opportunity rather than an obstacle. Denzel had a vision to create a high-performance sports car that could rival the best in Europe, even amidst the backdrop of a war-torn economy. His approach was resourceful, as he turned to surplus military parts from the war to bring his dream to life.

The WD Denzel 1300 was born from Denzel's recognition of the potential in the Volkswagen flat-four engine used in the Kübelwagen. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Germany had produced the Volkswagen Kübelwagen for military purposes during the war, and once the conflict ended, there were many unused parts available. Denzel saw potential in the Volkswagen flat-four engine used in the Kübelwagen, recognizing that its reliability could serve as the foundation for his sports car. In his workshop in Vienna, Denzel began experimenting with these components, modifying and enhancing them to push the boundaries of their original design. His goal was to create a car that was light, agile, and fast enough to compete with the emerging sports cars of the era, particularly those from Porsche.

In the early years, Wolfgang Denzel named his sports cars WD, later changing it to Denzel; the oldest surviving Denzel car, bodied by Kastenhofer in 1948, now belongs to the Museum Prototyp in Hamburg. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

By 1952, Denzel's vision had taken shape. He had moved beyond simply modifying Volkswagen parts and developed his own tubular steel frame for the car. This new chassis design marked a major turning point, as it was significantly lighter than the Volkswagen chassis, giving his creation a competitive edge. In 1953, Denzel took the next leap forward by switching the car’s body material from steel to aluminum. This further reduced the weight, improving the car's speed and handling, leading to the birth of the WD Denzel 1300, which simply looked like a Porsche 356.

A rear view of the oldest surviving Denzel car, which was bodied by Kastenhofer in 1948, can be seen while on display at the Museum Prototyp in Hamburg. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

The WD Denzel 1300 was a compact powerhouse with a short 2.1-meter wheelbase and a rear-mounted engine. While it retained its Volkswagen roots, the engine had been so extensively modified by Denzel that it was virtually unrecognizable. The original 25 horsepower output of the Volkswagen Beetle’s engine was transformed into 65 horsepower, making the Denzel 1300 a serious contender on the racing circuit. Denzel’s meticulous engineering involved custom-made crankshafts, pistons, and connecting rods, ensuring that the car squeezed out every ounce of performance without sacrificing reliability.

A WD Denzel Sport was showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show, either in 1952 or 1953, attracting attention with its innovative design and engineering. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

Denzel had no ambitions for mass production. His focus remained on motorsport, and as a result, only about 65 Denzel 1300 cars were ever built. Despite its limited numbers, the car quickly gained a reputation for its racing prowess. It shined particularly in rally racing, where its lightweight build and responsive handling made it a force to be reckoned with. The Denzel 1300’s most significant triumph came in 1954 at the Alpine Rally, one of Europe’s most challenging motorsport events. Against all odds, the Denzel 1300 emerged victorious, taking first place overall. This win solidified its place in motorsport history, proving that even a small Austrian car could hold its own against industry giants.

One of the surviving Denzel 1300 cars was once owned by António Guedes de Herédia, a Portuguese aristocrat, Olympic sailor, and avid racer, who secured a victory at the Rallye a San Pedro de Moel in 1956. (Picture from: Silodrome)

The car’s success extended beyond Europe. In 1954, Denzel decided to test his creation in the United States by entering the prestigious Sebring 12 Hours endurance race. Competing against well-established manufacturers like Ferrari and Jaguar, the Denzel 1300 achieved an impressive 12th-place finish, further cementing its status as a capable and competitive sports car. One of the car’s most notable owners was António Guedes de Herédia, a Portuguese aristocrat and Olympic sailor who was also an avid racer. Herédia’s Denzel 1300 brought him numerous victories, including a first-place finish in his class at the Rallye a San Pedro de Moel in 1956.

The Denzel 1300 car once owned by António Guedes de Herédia was restored in Vienna in 1959, receiving a newer body and a more powerful 1300cc Super Sport engine, along with an oil cooler to better manage the hot Portuguese summers. (Picture from: Silodrome)

What set the WD Denzel 1300 apart wasn’t just its racing pedigree but also its technical features. The car's aluminum body was both lightweight and strong, making it ideal for the rough conditions of rally racing. Its suspension, derived from Volkswagen but modified by Denzel, provided excellent handling, especially on narrow, winding mountain roads. The car’s engine was equipped with dual Solex carburetors, giving it the power needed to compete at high levels. Paired with a four-speed manual transmission, the Denzel 1300’s rear-wheel drive setup and balanced weight distribution allowed for remarkable control and speed.

In 2019, the 1955 Denzel 1300 car once owned by António Guedes de Herédia was auctioned by RM Sotheby's for €314,375. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Although the WD Denzel 1300 was never mass-produced, its legacy continues to thrive. Of the 65 cars built, only around 30 are believed to still exist today. These rare surviving models have become highly prized by collectors, with one example selling for €314,375 at an auction in 2019. The car's uniqueness and its place in motorsport history have ensured that the WD Denzel 1300 remains an iconic, though understated, figure in the world of classic cars. | _Wb2fnf_GqM |

The tale of the WD Denzel 1300 is more than just the story of a rare and valuable sports car. It represents the spirit of post-war ingenuity and determination. Wolfgang Denzel’s ability to transform surplus parts into a racing machine that could compete with the best is a testament to both his engineering prowess and his passion for motorsport. While the WD Denzel 1300 may not have achieved the global recognition of some of its contemporaries, its achievements on the track and its innovative design have secured it a lasting place in the history of automotive excellence. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DENZEL SPORTSCAR FAN PAGE | CLASSICANDSPORTSCAR | SILODROME | SUPERCARS.NET | COACHBUILD | RMSOTHEBYS | WIKIPEDIA ]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone