1958 Denzel 1300WD

The Denzel Sports Roadster arrived in 1948 and was built in a small workshop in Vienna, Austria, approximately 100 miles from Gmund, Austria, where the Porsche 356 was built in a small sawmill. Wolfgang Denzel and Ferry (son of Ferdinand) Porsche introduced their vehicles around the same time, coincidentally having similar configurations and designs. While Porsche would ultimately build over 78,000 examples of its 356, Denzel would build just 62 roadsters.

Through 1954, the Denzel-built roadster was known by the name WD, with models having several different designations, including WD Sport, WD Sport International, WD Super Sport, and WD Serien Sport. Early built examples had bodies formed from plastic, then steel, and ultimately lightweight aluminum. A Volkswagen chassis was used through 1952 when a Denzel-built chassis was introduced. Engine displacement varied throughout the years, growing from 1,086cc to over 1500cc. Early examples had Volkswagen-sourced 1,086cc or 1,131cc units modified with twin carburetors and larger intake valves. By the close of 1954, a 1,500cc Denzel-tuned engine was available with approximately 85 horsepower.

Many 'Sport International' variants were used in competition, racing in hill climbs, road and circuit races, and rallies. In 1954, a Denzel won the Alpine Rally. Over its racing career, the Denzel would achieve over 30 class victories.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2019