Description

The Enzmann 506 Porsche is an ultra-rare, performance-enhanced version of the already distinctive Swiss-built Enzmann 506 sports car, created in very limited numbers during the late 1950s and early 1960s. While most Enzmann 506s were powered by Volkswagen Beetle engines, a handful were fitted with more powerful flat-four engines from Porsche, giving the lightweight fiberglass-bodied car a dramatic improvement in both speed and character.

Built by Dr. Emil Enzmann and his family in Switzerland, the Enzmann 506 was based on a shortened VW Beetle chassis, topped with a futuristic, one-piece fiberglass body that gave it a streamlined appearance. The Porsche-engined version retained this same core design but swapped out the standard VW 1.2 or 1.3-liter engine for a higher-performance unit from Porsche—typically a 1.5-liter or 1.6-liter flat-four from the Porsche 356 series.

These engines produced between 60 and 90 horsepower, depending on the specific version used and whether it was tuned. Given the Enzmann’s exceptionally light curb weight—around 550 to 600 kilograms—the result was a true pocket rocket with excellent power-to-weight ratio, capable of quick acceleration and top speeds in excess of 160 km/h. The Porsche engine also gave the car a distinct sound and a refined mechanical character that set it apart from its VW-powered siblings.

The Enzmann 506 Porsche kept the same clean and simple exterior design, with a long nose, open cockpit, and boat-tail rear. The low, aerodynamic body not only improved performance but also gave the car a timeless aesthetic. Depending on the customer’s wishes, these Porsche-powered cars could be configured as open spiders or fitted with a removable hardtop.

Inside, the cabin was basic but purposeful. Lightweight bucket seats, a minimal dashboard, and simple controls kept the focus on driving. Some Porsche-powered versions were fitted with Porsche-style instrumentation or upgraded trim details to reflect their more sporting intent.

Only a handful of Enzmann 506s were ever built with Porsche engines—likely fewer than five—which makes them among the rarest and most desirable versions of the model. Some may have been upgraded after delivery using period-correct Porsche parts, while others may have been delivered that way from new. Either way, surviving examples are incredibly scarce and are prized today for their combination of elegant styling, Swiss craftsmanship, and Porsche performance.

The Enzmann 506 Porsche stands as a unique artifact from a time when small European manufacturers could mix and match components to create truly individual cars. With its lightweight construction and Porsche power, it remains one of the most compelling expressions of postwar enthusiast engineering.