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Drauz Coachbuilder Badges Apparently there were two styles of Draus 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. March, 2008
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.
Comments from Chuck House, Pres. of the 356 Registry & owner of a Convertible D: "The...photo shows the brass screws securing the body badge. Again, these two peculiarities (along with a bunch others) are seen on Ds and Roadsters...Also, the screw holes are smaller than the rivet holes so it's a little difficult to go from rivets to screws." Personally, I haven't seen enough original Conv. Ds to be able to make this claim, so I would defer to Chuck on this opinion. We have seen the original tiny screws made of brass and steel (possibly plated with cadium or zinc) and, so far, in the slotted style. I would really appreciate hearing from other owners of original Conv. Ds about what they have noticed from the factory. Tiny screws (what style?) or rivets or both?
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