Designed before World War II, the VW Type 1 (aka Beetle or Bug) didn’t get into serious production until the late 1940s. It would become one of the world’s most-produced automobiles – more than 21 million copies through the end of the century. The seller has two “oval” Beetles – those with the oval-shaped rear window. They date from 1954 and 1957 and look to have not moved from storage in many, many moons. Once again, T.J. comes through with a cool tip!
The ”oval” Beetles were built from 1953 to 1957 and are some of the most coveted editions among VW collectors. These quirky cars are credited with revving up demand for small automobiles in the U.S. in the 1950s and 1960s. By the 1970s, you couldn’t turn a street corner without seeing a VW Beetle – with or without “flower power” and other hippie symbols. All of them had the little air-cooled engine in the rear, perhaps inspiring the 1960 Chevy Corvair.
The seller doesn’t fill in many gaps for the pair he/she has for sale. For example, we’re told they have automatic transmissions, but we know that’s not correct. And the Beetle never came in a hatchback body style. The seller says all the parts are inside the two cars to complete individual restoration projects, but that seems like a stretch. Located in Martinez, California, they’re available here on Facebook Marketplace for $10,000. But is that for a package deal or is that what the seller expects to receive for each one?
I’ve owned plenty of these over the last 50 years. There ain’t no way anyone will pay 10,000 with the worthless description and even worse pictures. They look like good solid shells, but he’d be lucky to get 1000 with the lack of detail he shows.
These look like the same pair that was on American Pickers.
If that’s the case, this could be a scam, especially at this “price”.
I like these and have had thoughts of a VW build. I don’t like the price but as soon as that check comes from that Ethiopian prince it’ll be no big deal.
What year did they change from the split rear window to the oval?
My brother had a split window that I thought he butchered he filled in the rear side window and put a 2.0 with a turbocharger on it flared fiberglass fenders fiberglass hood and engine cover along with bright orange metallic paint. When it ran it was fast but it sat most of the time because it wouldn’t start or ran too rough.
This was in the 79’s His buddy was a mechanic at a VW dealer
Aren’t these oval window VWs worth a ton when restored? Not many cars easier to restore than a VW.
In the early 70’s I had a 59 VW bug and rebuilt the engine with souped up JC Whitney parts. It really ran well but I got tired of it and bought a 54 Chevy pickup that I put a later Chevy 6 in. The good engine cost $100. The oval window VWs with the same 36 HP engine cost way more these days.