Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Enzmann

The Enzmann car company represents one of the more unique and lesser-known stories in post-war European automobile history. Created in Switzerland during the 1950s, the Enzmann 506 sports car combined fiberglass construction, light weight, and Porsche-derived engineering. Despite being produced in relatively small numbers, the Enzmann 506 has achieved cult status among collectors and enthusiasts, particularly those fascinated by rare European sports cars and independent automotive efforts.

Founding of Enzmann

The Vision of Dr. Emil Enzmann

The company was the brainchild of Swiss doctor Emil Enzmann, a medical professional with a passion for engineering and automotive design. During the early 1950s, Enzmann began experimenting with fiberglass as a lightweight material that could be used to construct sports cars affordably and creatively. Inspired by cars like the Porsche 356 and the Volkswagen Beetle, Enzmann set out to build a streamlined roadster that would be practical, lightweight, and fun to drive.

Debut at the 1957 Frankfurt Motor Show

Enzmann’s first creation, later known as the Enzmann 506, made its public debut at the 1957 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA). The car’s name—“506”—came from the stand number at the show where it was first displayed. Built on a Volkswagen Beetle chassis with a fiberglass body, it caught attention for its sleek design, low weight, and excellent handling.

Design and Engineering of the Enzmann 506

Fiberglass Construction

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Enzmann 506 was its use of fiberglass—a relatively new material in car manufacturing at the time. This allowed for lightweight construction and smooth, rounded body lines. The use of fiberglass also allowed small-scale production without the need for expensive metal stamping equipment.

Volkswagen Underpinnings

The Enzmann 506 used the platform and mechanicals of the Volkswagen Beetle, including its rear-mounted air-cooled flat-four engine. This choice provided reliability and affordability, and it also made the car relatively easy to maintain. Over time, some owners modified their Enzmanns with upgraded engines from Porsche or tuned VW engines to improve performance.

Unique Styling

The Enzmann’s styling was minimalist and functional. It featured a smooth front with integrated headlights, a simple curved windshield, and a low profile that accentuated its sporty nature. Unlike other kit-style or boutique cars of the era, the Enzmann had a distinctive personality—it was neither a copy of existing models nor a generic sports car. Its design was purpose-built and instantly recognizable.

Production and Development

Limited Manufacturing

Production of the Enzmann 506 remained extremely limited. Estimates suggest that between 80 and 100 units were produced from the late 1950s through the early 1960s. As a small operation, the company produced most of the cars by hand, and buyers often provided their own Volkswagen chassis and engines for use in the finished product.

Customization and Variants

Because of its low-volume production and modular design, no two Enzmann 506 cars were exactly alike. Buyers could choose from various features such as soft tops, roll bars, seating arrangements, and powertrains. Some were tuned for performance with higher-powered engines, while others remained closer to stock VW specifications for more modest cruising.

Export and International Recognition

While the Enzmann 506 was primarily sold in Switzerland and neighboring countries, a small number of vehicles made their way to Germany and the United Kingdom. It never gained widespread international recognition, largely due to its small-scale production and lack of formal distribution channels. Nonetheless, automotive journalists and sports car enthusiasts took notice of its quality and performance.

Challenges and Decline

Market Pressures

By the early 1960s, Enzmann found it increasingly difficult to compete in the evolving European sports car market. The introduction of affordable factory-built sports cars from mainstream manufacturers—such as the Triumph Spitfire, MG Midget, and Alfa Romeo Spider—put pressure on smaller companies like Enzmann. These competitors offered similar performance with the backing of dealer networks and professional marketing.

Production Ends

Facing growing challenges in profitability and production efficiency, Enzmann halted production of the 506 around the mid-1960s. Dr. Enzmann returned to his medical career, though his work in car manufacturing remained a respected achievement in Swiss engineering circles.

Legacy and Revival

Collector Interest

In the decades that followed, the Enzmann 506 became a rare and highly collectible vehicle. With its combination of VW simplicity, fiberglass innovation, and charming design, it gained a loyal following among enthusiasts of unique European sports cars. Restored models occasionally appear at vintage car shows and auctions, where they command significant attention due to their rarity and historical value.

Family Revival in the 2000s

In a remarkable twist, the Enzmann brand was revived in the early 2000s by Emil Enzmann’s son, Arnold Enzmann. Using the original molds and production techniques, Arnold began producing new Enzmann 506 models based on the same formula—fiberglass bodywork mounted on a VW chassis with updated safety features and modern mechanicals where appropriate.

Modern Appreciation

The revived Enzmann 506 cars, sometimes referred to as “New Enzmanns,” stayed true to the aesthetic and spirit of the original while offering improved performance and comfort. This effort helped preserve the brand’s legacy and introduced a new generation of enthusiasts to this unique Swiss sports car.

Important Models

Enzmann 506 (Original, 1957–1965)

The original Enzmann 506 remains the company’s signature model. Characterized by its hand-laid fiberglass body and Beetle underpinnings, it was available in several configurations and is recognized for its blend of simplicity and innovation.

Enzmann 506 Revival (2000s–2010s)

Produced by Arnold Enzmann, the revival models followed the original’s formula but offered a higher standard of fit and finish, as well as options for more powerful engines, disc brakes, and other modern upgrades. They were built in very limited numbers for collectors.

Surviving Cars and Club Support

Enzmann Owners’ Clubs

A small but dedicated community of Enzmann owners and enthusiasts exists in Switzerland, Germany, and other parts of Europe. These groups organize events, tours, and exhibitions where the cars are proudly displayed and driven.

Museum and Exhibition Presence

Several Enzmann 506 models are displayed in automotive museums, including Swiss transport museums and private collections. Their place in automotive history as pioneering fiberglass-bodied sports cars is increasingly recognized.

Conclusion

The Enzmann car company may never have reached the scale of larger automakers, but its impact on post-war European automotive culture is undeniable. The 506 exemplified innovation, individual craftsmanship, and a do-it-yourself spirit that resonated deeply with car lovers.

Today, the Enzmann 506 stands as a rare gem in the world of classic cars—a symbol of what passionate visionaries can achieve with ingenuity and dedication. Whether in its original or revival form, the Enzmann remains a proud chapter in Switzerland’s automotive legacy.