Description

The Enzmann 506 Super 1300 Spider is a rare and charismatic example of lightweight, enthusiast-focused sports car design from postwar Europe. Built in Switzerland by Dr. Emil Enzmann and his family during the late 1950s and early 1960s, the 506 was conceived as a simple yet stylish roadster, combining minimalist construction with proven Volkswagen mechanics. The “Super 1300” Spider variant is among the more potent and desirable versions, offering a larger engine and open-top motoring in a distinctive fiberglass body.

At its core, the Enzmann 506 Super 1300 Spider used a 1.3-liter air-cooled flat-four engine sourced from the Volkswagen Beetle. In the upgraded “Super” configuration, the engine produced around 40 to 50 horsepower, depending on tuning and carburetion. While this may seem modest, the car’s ultra-lightweight fiberglass construction—tipping the scales at under 600 kilograms—meant it delivered an engaging and spirited driving experience. Acceleration was brisk for its class, and the low center of gravity and nimble chassis made it a pleasure to drive on twisty roads.

The Spider body was one of the defining features of the Enzmann 506. Molded as a single fiberglass shell, the design emphasized aerodynamic efficiency and visual simplicity. The long front end, wraparound windscreen, and tapered boat-tail rear gave it a clean and futuristic appearance. The open-top configuration offered a pure, unfiltered driving experience, though some examples were equipped with a simple detachable soft top for occasional weather protection.

Inside, the Enzmann 506 Spider was stark and purposeful. It typically featured two lightweight bucket seats, a basic dashboard with essential instruments, and minimal trim. Everything was designed to keep weight down and maximize driving enjoyment. Each car was assembled largely by hand, and some details varied from one example to another based on customer preferences or the specific components available at the time.

Production numbers for the Enzmann 506 series were very limited. Fewer than 100 cars were built in total, and only a fraction of those were the Super 1300 Spider variant. The low production volume and the fact that many cars were modified over time contribute to the rarity of original examples today.

The Enzmann 506 Super 1300 Spider stands as a unique artifact of its era—a lightweight, aerodynamic roadster built with passion and creativity during a time when individual builders could still produce distinctive cars for a niche audience. Its blend of simplicity, rarity, and charm continues to appeal to collectors who value driving purity and automotive individuality.