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Facts & Info

Drauz Coachbuilder Badges

Apparently there were two styles of Drauz coachbuilder badges that were attached to the passenger front fender of Convertible Ds.

Until I gather more information, I'll call the first one the "North American market badge". This one is the typical Drauz badge that you see on most Convertible Ds in the USA and mentioned in the 356 books and catalogs. It has the words: "Custom Coachwork By Drauz" printed on it in English. It also has the word "Germany" printed on the lower part of the badge to signify that this Convertible D was manufactured in Germany. It's sort of like stating: "Made in England" or "Made in Japan" — an import requirement of the US and some other countries. I believe this badge was also used for the Canadian market and possibly some others. It is Part No. 644.723.901.42 "Name plate 'Drauz' in English" — "Germany" spelled out (see photo above at left – North American)

The second badge, is what I will call the "European/World market badge". It has no (Made in) "Germany" printed anywhere on it, nor the English words: "Custom Coachwork By". This badge was apparently used in Germany and possibly all of Europe and the rest of the world outside of North America. These countries did not require identification where a product was made if it was outside of the delivery country in 1958-59. As one European 356er stated: "That's the only (Drauz) badge I knew before I saw the US Drauz badges...". It is Part No. 644.723.901.41 "Name plate 'Drauz' in German". (see photo above at right – German)

All the facts are not in for these badges. I would appreciate knowing more and will display the results.

If you live outside of the US (most Ds were exported to the US), please contact me if you have an original Convertible D, the German Drauz badge or know more about your country's requirements in 1958-59 and what type of Drauz badge was used. And, if anyone can shed more light on these badges, please contact me at: john@convertibledregistry.com.

Original Badge Shape

Original Drauz badges were slightly convex-shaped as you look at them from the front. They were not flat as the current reproductions being made. In addition, when the badge was placed on the Conv. D with either rivets or screws (see comments farther down this page), the indentations of the two attachment points created dents in the smoothness of that convex shape. Scroll down to view front and back side photos of a faded, original Drauz badge.

Original Badge Mounting Hardware

Chuck House, President of the 356 Registry and owner of a very original Convertible D, believes that Drauz used slotted screws to secure the body badge and that this method was used on Ds and Roadsters. He says the screw holes were smaller than the rivet holes so it's difficult to go from rivets to screws. The screws appear to be brass, but two sets have proven to be magnetic, so they could be brass coated steel. More information is needed. Below is a photo of the badge on Chuck's unrestored original Convertible D (Ivory) and below that is his original paint 356B Roadster(Slate Grey).
Drauz coachbuilder badge Drauz coachbuilder badge

Two other owners of original Ds sent me photos which show the same tiny slotted screws rather than rivets, and below is a photo of the badge on another very original D. I welcome photos and information from other owners of original Conv. Ds. showing how their badges are attached.

Drauz badge placement

Quite often I'm asked for the "correct" measurements to place the Drauz badge on the passenger fender in front of the door and behind the front wheel well. I've asked about eight owners of original Ds to measure the dimensions from the front badge hole to the leading edge of the fender, and the front badge hole down to the lower edge of the rocker (see photo below). Not all measurements from original Ds were the same, but I came up with these ranges: front badge hole to fender 57-73mm and front badge hole to lower rocker edge 172-185mm. If you throw out the highs and lows in each category you get tighter ranges of front badge hole to fender 62-72mm and front badge hole to lower rocker edge: 173-184mm.

Examples: my own original D has lengths of: 62mm and 175mm; Chuck's original D has: 64mm and 184mm.

These ranges are close enough to pass onto you for our hand built Conv. Ds. After you place the Drauz badge on the fender, go drive it!

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