Denzel (automobile)

Denzel was an Austrian manufacturer of automobiles.

Company History

Wolfgang Denzel was before the Second World War in the automotive business operates. In 1948 he started his company at the Gumpendorferstraße 19 in the 6th district of Vienna, with the development and production of automobiles. One source indicates that the company initially WD- Equipment said. In 1953 he presented the first vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show in Geneva. The brand name was initially WD and from 1957 Denzel. 1959 or 1960 production ended. Overall emerged about 65, about 300 or about 350 vehicles. About 28 or about 50 vehicles still exist.

Rolling stock

The company introduced sporty cars ago. Used in the first models Denzel many parts from the VW Kubelwagen, as well as the chassis. The doorless body of the four-seater is made of wood. The engine developed with the help of two carburetors 33 hp. Shortly thereafter, the platform frame of the VW Beetle was the basis. For driving attended four-cylinder boxer engines from Volkswagen. In many vehicles, Denzel optimized the engine. Thus, the displacement was often increased to 1281 cc or 1290 cc. These engines contributed up to 64 hp. Over time, more and more of the original parts VW motor were replaced by own parts. The models from 1951 or 1952 received a lighter tube frame chassis. The bodies were now made ​​of aluminum, which also meant a saving in weight. From 1954, an engine with 1500 cc capacity was available, according to two sources who came from Porsche. 1956 added a coupe commodities that previously consisted roadster and cabriolet.

The majority of the vehicles made ​​the following three models of:

  • Super Series: 1281 cc, 52 hp
  • Super: 1290 cc, 64 hp
  • International: 1500 cc, 80 bhp.

Motor race

The vehicles were also used in auto racing. Here are some successful operations with Wolfgang Denzel on the steering wheel:

  • Victory in the class up to 2000 cc in February 1949 at the ÖAMTC Winter Tour ride
  • Class win and seventh place overall in June 1949 at the International Austrian Alpine Run
  • Overall victory in 1954 the Coupe des Alpes
  • Class victory at the 1954 Int. Austrian Alpine Rally
Volkswagen Kübelwagen Engine displacement Aluminium Roadster (automobile) Austro-Daimler Austro-Tatra Grofri Libelle (microcar) Puch
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