We’ve featured more than a few vehicles from this seller, who seems to specialize in finding barn find cars and motorcycles, or forgotten examples that have been languishing in one collection or another. It’s entirely possible he’s responsible for liquidating one large stash of cars and bikes, as the variety is seemingly limitless. This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle is a desirable oval window project that the seller notes came from the long-term family owners that have owned the Bug since 1979. It doesn’t run, but the engine turns freely. Find it here on eBay with bidding at $2,600 and no reserve.
The Beetle is a mixture of different paint schemes and evidence of bodywork, which would seem to suggest a previous owner had big plans to restore one of the more valuable air-cooled Bugs you can find stateside. The rear oval window is the key to this Beetle commanding a higher price than some of its later-production brethren, along with a few other key details that set these older models apart. No details are offered in terms of the missing trim, some of which is very hard to find, and the seller notes that some of the body panels are just lightly attached and not installed with proper hardware.
The interior is quite complete, so hopefully the next owner won’t have to hunt down too much for the cockpit. The seats front and rear even look usable as-is, along with the door panels (although, I question whether the pattern and materials are original). All surfaces will need a good cleaning, but at least you’re not starting with everything in tatters. The seller, per his usual listing template, doesn’t offer too much in the way of opinions, but does include a crap-ton of photos which appear to show largely solid floors and no major rust anywhere, really.
The engine is not original to the car, but the seller did confirm that the VIN plate and chassis numbers still match. The engine doesn’t run, either, but the seller was able to spin it by hand. As far as where you go next with this one, I suspect most potential buyers are looking at finishing the restoration that was started, and with the current bid price quite low, I could see a potential bargain shaping up given the strong prices completely restored oval window Bugs tend to drive. Kudos to the seller, who seemingly has a knack for finding diamonds in the rough.
Jeff, this one throws up a lot of red flags for me, I’m no expert on vintage Beetles, but seeing incorrect wheels, what look like fiberglass rear fenders, the wrong engine and what appear to be growing rust spots and accident damage on the sheet metal don’t bode well for any kind of “restoration.”
The price is right, but the work ahead seems extensive. “Bargain”? I don’t think so, but an enthusiast with some skills and a lot of patience could probably make a nice driver out of it.
The old 5 lug wide space wheels were probably junk. I can tell the common thing would be to put adapters on so you can run a standard Chevy rim and tires. If the bottom pan is sold this could be a great buy. If course like many I would BUG IT OUT ! Custom the interior and engine and try to leave outside as original a possible.
Dang, It’s my dad’s and granny’s old bug! He hated it, so I guess I will not be bidding, wouldn’t even take it as a gift, because somebody else should have it. He said it didn’t have a whole lot of horsepower. I think he might have been right.
Looks like a 40 hp engine. I’d need to inspect the floorpan real good. The wheels are installed with the wheel adapters, readily available. Plenty of parts available to freshen up the mill that are reasonably priced. Might want to think about swapping in a later transaxle with full syncros. Of course they make aftermarket trans for these. Good luck, would love to take this one on!
Cheers
GPC
I like it, but….the rear apron is wrong, should be an “H” pattern apron, Lord knows why the rear fenders are from a ’68 and later bug. Yes she does have a 40 HP engine, needs a 36 hp…the wheels are not VW at all.. but all this is definitely fixable!
Id take her in a minute! Black ovals are gorgeous!!
Lots of opportunity if the floors are good. In my imagination, I’m restoring everything except the body.
Kept scrolling the Ebay pics. It needs floors too. ugh.
That flow though exhaust pipe concerns me, too.
Wheels standing out tells me it’s got bolt on adapters on the wide five bolt pattern to be able to put on standard or wider aluminum wheels. Dune buggy folks dreamed those up years ago.
Looks like a collection of parts cars rubbed in Vaseline
Lose the fenders, drop the body on a nicely built IRS pan, put in an 1835, and make a Volksrod out of it!
Friend just traded his MGB-GT for this one. It has the split rear window.
Take a look at the other items this seller has, there is a running Oval also for sale with a no reserve.
i hate it too when they ‘clear ove’r ’em like this~
It has been relisted. Here is the eBay link.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/254567917215