Description
The Enzmann 506 Super 1300 Hardtop is a rare and distinctive Swiss sports car that reflects the ingenuity and passion of low-volume automotive engineering in the postwar era. Built by Dr. Emil Enzmann and his family during the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Enzmann 506 was designed as a lightweight, aerodynamic two-seater based on Volkswagen mechanicals. The “Super 1300” designation refers to the more powerful 1.3-liter engine used in this variant, while the hardtop version offered a more practical and weather-resistant option compared to the original open-bodied design.
At the heart of the Enzmann 506 Super 1300 was a 1.3-liter air-cooled flat-four Volkswagen engine, delivering between 40 and 50 horsepower depending on the specific tuning. While not powerful by modern standards, the performance was quite spirited thanks to the car’s extremely light fiberglass body and compact dimensions. With a weight well under 600 kilograms, the car offered lively acceleration and agile handling, particularly well-suited for winding Alpine roads or club-level motorsport.
The fiberglass body was one of the most innovative aspects of the Enzmann 506. Formed as a single piece and mounted over a shortened Volkswagen Beetle chassis, it gave the car an aerodynamic, sleek profile with a low nose, small cockpit, and distinctive boat-tail rear. The hardtop version provided a fixed roof that blended smoothly into the body, offering a coupe-like silhouette and increased usability in less favorable weather conditions. This made it more appealing to drivers who sought both style and everyday practicality.
Inside, the Super 1300 Hardtop maintained the minimalist ethos of the original 506. The cabin was compact and functional, with a basic instrument cluster, lightweight bucket seats, and few frills. Depending on the buyer’s preferences, some cars received slightly more luxurious interiors, but the overall focus remained on weight savings and performance.
Production numbers for the Enzmann 506 were very low. Fewer than 100 examples of all variants were built, and only a small portion of those were equipped with the larger 1300 engine and hardtop configuration. Each car was hand-assembled, often tailored to the preferences of individual customers, which adds to their charm and uniqueness today.
The Enzmann 506 Super 1300 Hardtop represents a special moment in European automotive history—a time when small manufacturers could still build original, sporty cars with the help of donor components and a strong design vision. Today, surviving examples are highly sought after by collectors who appreciate the car’s rarity, simplicity, and its blend of Swiss precision and 1950s style.