Oval Window Project: 1957 Volkswagen Beetle

When you say the words “oval window Beetle” to air-cooled Volkswagen enthusiasts, it traditionally elicits a reaction of excitement and intrigue, knowing that it’s an early edition of the fabled Bug. However, it can also trigger sadness, knowing this is one of the pricier Beetles you can buy. Thankfully, this particular example of an oval window listed here on craigslist may represent a significant opportunity for someone who has been on the hunt while maintaining a budget, as it’s a bit of a project for just $12,000.

Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mike F. for the tip. While the body is absolutely a 1957 oval window Beetle, it sits on a later 1971 pan. To the purist, that represents a bit of a ding, but if you’re OK with the chassis not being original, this seems like a terrific way to get into oval ownership. It also appears to have been modified tastefully with a lowered suspension, aftermarket wheels, and an updated interior. The seller does report that the paint is failing but that it has been “….stored in SW Colorado for 30 years” and has no rust.

The interior presents quite well. The seller simply states that the bodywork and the interior are “done” and given it has been in storage for so long, it seems like this is a slow-burn restoration project. The other major repair listed is a fresh wiring harness. The seller notes that he lost storage and now needs to sell the Beetle. It seems awfully tragic to have stable storage for multiple decades and suddenly lose it. While it’s impossible to verify quality from afar, the work done to date seems to be decent. It also appears to have an upgraded shifter.

Now, here’s the odd part: the seller notes that no engine is included despite there being a picture of one in the listing. All I can figure is the engine is still somewhere in his possession, and he simply wants to tease that you can purchase it separately if desired. Of course, a car in storage this long could simply have been in transition when the seller lost storage, and the motor that was installed years earlier is no longer present. Either way, it seems like a terrific start for a project for anyone hunting an elusive oval-window Bug.