The Volkswagen Type 1 (or Beetle) was dubbed “The People’s Car’ when it was conceived in the late 1930s. Once production resumed after WW2, more than 21 million copies of the popular little “Bugs” were built through the end of the 20th Century. This 1956 edition, with the smaller oval rear window, has been chopped and is a project minus its engine. It was listed for sale more than a year ago, so maybe the Beetle finally sold, or the seller gave up and never took down the ad.
Annual changes to the Beetle were usually minimal, with the desirable “oval” rear window being in production from 1954 to 1957. Collectors seem to migrate to them because of their rarity today, but since this one was chopped (perhaps in the 1960s), the population that might want it could be seriously diminished. It does have the optional sunroof, though that could have been added when the body was modified.
This VW was listed on behalf of the seller’s uncle. While the body is from a 1956 Beetle, it rides on a 1965 VW frame. The motor is MIA, but we’re told the transmission has been “built.” The original front fenders are in the garage and will come with the car. While the exterior finish may be dusty red primer, the seller does quote an Imron paint code. The windshield was chopped by nine inches (did that affect the oval rear window?).
In addition to the bodywork, the seller says the front end has been lowered and disc brakes added. The tires and wheels are wider in the rear than in the front. If the vehicle is still available, it’s listed here on Facebook Marketplace where the asking price is/was $15,000 in Venice, California. If you were to get your hands on it, what else would you do this Type 1?
A rare bug got butchered by a maniac. Not a VW fan, but this seems criminal
This was done a long time ago, likely 50+ years ago when these cars were beaters worth next to nothing. With the replaced floor pan to there is a good chance it was rusted and if little interest to most since Bugs were a dime a dozen. It’s lucky it didn’t get turned into a Baja Bug.
In the early-90’s I had a friend with a split window VW Bus. He came along on several junk yard runs often hitting 4-5 in a day. We’d only go to Pick Your Part style yards, it was a rare occasion if you didn’t come across several in split windows in each yard, that is the fate awaiting many cars like the one featured above if they hadn’t received some sort of modification. Yes, it was butchered, but it still exists.
Steve R
If this was done in the 1960’s then these were a dime a dozen, and may have been its (literally) saving grace. I don’t think anyone would have much to say if someone chopped a tweens/early teens Corolla today. Sixty years from now, folks might have a different opinion.
Back in the day,bugs where free or maybe 100 dollars,they where full size toys,very fun toys,I’m sure someone will agree with me
Sorry, I understand what you’re all saying, but it’s still an atrocity
I loved these older bugs, but I wouldn’t even consider this mess. It’s ruined by that crappy looking chop job. $1500. Then put a whole top on it.
I learned how to drive in one of those split window bugs. Dad inherited one (he didn’t want it) and he gave it to me and my brother. We beat it to hell on the farm we grew up on, even rolled it on its side once. At the time, early 70’s, we had no idea of the possible value of it.
The chop looks like it was done properly and goes along with all the other car things going on in California at the time. All this butchering crap is from folks who know nothing about the ’50s and ’60s cars and the many people who started the custom era. It was fun with cars then and produced some fabulous creations.
Totally agree bobhess. No one knocked the Pharaohs for chopping and dropping their lead sled.
I learned to drive in a 59 Bug,oh did l mention we removed the body and threw it in a holler, there’s still artifacts of it’s remains down there,70s where great times…
What’s done is done..and I really like it! Drop a 1776 motor in this, roll back that cool sunroof and hit PCH.I am surprised someone hasnt grabbed this in the Venice area where I used to live.Would I do this to an oval now?No…but I do like the look of a custom bug ( and outlaw 356s like mine)..Good luck
It looks OK but a chop top for 15k is in dream land!
Maybe 5000 with no engine.
I have a chopped 56 sunroof I built 50 years ago. I used to run under 15 secs at Milan MI with an 1835 big valve heads and twim 300 CFM Holly carbs. It’s on my list to get back on the road. This one has potential for lots of fun.
Maybe I’ll get mine done in the meantime.
The bottom line here is despite whatever the seller’s asking price is and its mods, it’s a way-cool little whip that represents a certain time and culture. I would be proud to drive it.
$15,000.00 is perfect car price…This is beyond perfect… you will spend that just getting it on the road… Hard no on this one.
Not so sure – any parts for these is very affordable and the drivetrain is as cheap as a loaf of Wonder bread and just as easy to manage. And the body looks decent and who cares about paint?
And I’m in the middle of rebuilding my 1963 1/2 Galaxie 500XL (390/4spd) right now and it’s going to cost light years more scrilla to get whipped up than this cool little bug…