Denzel Cars – Austria’s First Sports Car
At the end of World War II, everything in Vienna was gloom and doom, as we mentioned in a previous post. Or almost everything. Denzel cars were about to change that. Wolfgang W. Denzel, a racing driver and engineer, had an ambitious idea—to build Austria’s first car right here in Vienna.
Using the chassis of a Volkswagen, originally produced in excess for the German war effort, the first Denzel car appeared in 1949. It had a wood and vinyl body, a far cry from the sleek sports cars of later years. But this was just the beginning. Over time, the cars improved, with Porsche engines and bodies made of steel or aluminum.
The Rise of Denzel Cars
As the vehicles started gaining attention, they became a competitor to Porsche. That didn’t sit well with Volkswagen, which had been supplying parts. In 1952, they cut off the supply, forcing Denzel to build his own chassis. This led to the creation of the Denzel 1300 Sport, which many consider the first true Denzel car.
A Rally Win That Made History
The moment that put Denzel cars in the spotlight came in 1954, when a Denzel unexpectedly won the Alpine Rally. This was the underdog victory that made headlines and gave the Austrian vehicles a worldwide recognition.
Production continued until 1959, with nearly 300 cars built in total. While the name Denzel may not be as famous as Porsche or Volkswagen, it remains a piece of Austrian automotive history—a brand that proved, if only for a short time, that Vienna could produce world-class sports cars.
Even today, if you ever come across one of the rare surviving Denzel cars, you’re looking at Austria’s first real sports car—and a small but proud piece of Vienna’s past.
We love telling such stories about Viennese personalities who made a difference. One way to learn about other inspiring people in Vienna’s history is through our tour “In the Footsteps of Greatness“.For more general stories and fun facts about Vienna, you should join our Highlights Tour.
