1954 Denzel 1300 Sport
- Engine
- 1.3L VW-derived Super Sport unit (upgraded from original 1.5L)
Chassis DK32 is a 1954 Denzel 1300 Sport, a rare aluminium-bodied Austrian sports car built on a bespoke twin box-section frame with Volkswagen running gear. Delivered new to Antonio Guedes Herédia, founder of the Portuguese Denzel importer Auto Portuguesa, it was campaigned in Iberian races and rallies, achieving 2nd overall and class victory at the 1956 Rallye a San Pedro de Moel. Returned to the Vienna factory in 1959 for significant modifications, the car remained with Herédia until 1988 before passing through two further owners. A comprehensive restoration was completed around 2014, after which it appeared at the Cascais Concours d'Elegance.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold €314,375 (≈ $346K)
- 1954 → 1988Factory deliveryAntonio Guedes Herédiapartial documentation
Portuguese aristocrat and founder of the Lisbon-based Denzel importer who registered the car in his own name and used it in competition. Sent the car back to the Vienna factory in early 1959 for substantial modifications before resuming occasional use.
- 1988 →Private saleVasco da Silva e Sapartial documentation
Purchased directly from Herédia, then subsequently sold the car on.
- 2012 →Private saleCarlos Cruzpartial documentation
Bought the car in largely unrestored but original condition and promptly engaged a well-regarded Lisbon restorer to carry out a comprehensive restoration.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCypriano Florespartial documentation
Acquired from da Silva e Sa in the early 1990s; no specific year recorded.
Competition
- 19541954 Sebring 12 Hours12th overall
This result is cited as the marque's first recorded international race appearance; the specific car (DK32) is not confirmed as the entry.
- 1956-08-01Rallye a San Pedro de MoelDriver: Antonio Guedes Herédia2nd overall, 1st in class
Described as the competitive highlight of Herédia's time with DK32.
- 1960-07-01Circuito de Vila do Conde GT RaceDriver: Antonio Guedes HerédiaRtd — retired early after qualifying 10th
This proved to be both the driver's and the car's final competitive outing.
- 20142014 Cascais Concours d'Elegance
Car was displayed following completion of a full restoration commissioned by Carlos Cruz.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1959ModificationDenzel factory
The car was returned to the Denzel works in Vienna where the original bodywork was swapped for a later-style unit introduced from 1957, the 1,500 cc engine was replaced by a 1,300 cc Super Sport unit offering a modest power gain, and an optional hardtop and oil cooler were fitted.
Work was initiated by Herédia in early 1959; the car was returned to Portugal in early 1960.
- 2012RestorationJoao Teves Costa
A comprehensive restoration was carried out on the car, which had been acquired in original but deteriorated condition.
Commissioned immediately upon purchase by Carlos Cruz; the restorer is described as a renowned Lisbon-based classic car specialist. The car was shown at the 2014 Cascais Concours d'Elegance upon completion.
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