The Volkswagen Type 1 (aka Beetle or Bug) was conceived in the 1930s but didn’t see significant production until after World War II. The Beetle paved the way for the imports invading the U.S. market from the 1960s-forward. For collectors, the 1953 to 1957 editions with the oval rear window have grown in demand and value. Which is interesting that this running project from 1956 has only been bid to $1,600 so far, without a reserve. Located in San Diego, California, this interesting find is available here on eBay.
Also known as the “People’s Car” because of its German heritage, pre-1953 Beetles received a split-window design in the back which may be even more collectible than its replacement, the oval. There were few of these cars on U.S. highways by that time, so the initial American population of Bugs was largely exhausted long ago.
The number that could have survived after more than 65 years may only be in the hundreds (an assumption). We don’t know much about this VW other than the engine runs well (original or a later replacement?). It’s also said to drive nicely, too, though it seems to spend most of its time under a cover in the backyard. There is no muffler on it, so it must make a lot of noise to the chagrin of the seller’s neighbors.
While there isn’t any rust to speak of, the seller says the little car was in a minor fender bender and needs some bodywork (perhaps on the side of the Beetle that we don’t see). Spares are included, such as an extra deck lid (different color) and another steering wheel. The interior looks okay though we don’t get to see much of it.
My kind of Porsche! Wonder if a 356 engine would fit here? I recall souped up bugs being killer on the street years ago. Not much snob appeal, but it sure does put one in their place when they lose to the “lowly”. The common man needs to take charge once again, we need that now, more then ever!!! Before I keel over, it sure would be nice to see things turned around for my grandchildren.
Yes. Those Porsche engines will slip right in. The reverse is true. I had a ‘56, 356A coupe that had a VW ENGINE IN IT.
Punctuation marks are not the seller’s strong suit as the ad is one long sentence part of the sentence says no rust surface rust which is it and you can bet if bids don’t start going up he’ll pull the ad also the car apparently has no title it would be nice if there were pictures of the bad side as this car could be a good starter project.
I see what you did there Terrry :-)
Only bill of sale back in the day.
I use to drive by a split window sitting in a barn every day. It was a college professors. I wanted to buy it but the people wouldn’t give me his name or my number to him. The bath caved in on it 😢
Calls for a complete restoration. Please keep it stock…if you want to soup it up please use original OKRASA parts.
Not much info in the Ebay ad, no title? might be interesting to know the VIN this could be sitting on a later pan. The rear fender looks to be fiberglass. The camera angle makes it look like the roof has a slight chop, it could be a fun project with a 2180 stroker…
Rw , easy up grade ! But then I don’t know what is difficult about older beetles. 🤔
Must be on a later pan. The 56 had a roller for gas pedal. Can anyone see the reserve lever to the right of the gas pedal? I reversed the wheels on mine without modifying them and it worked great! It cornered wonderfully!
Horn ring looks a bit out of place also
It is an Oval window VW, but:
What the buyer is actually getting is a bunch of parts from an Oval window.
•The dash has been altered significantly
•As said previously, it runs on 4-bolt wheels, which suggests that the floor pan assembly is from a later model Beetle (68 or later.
•The engine is from a later VW, so the transmission would not be the original early split case version.
•still a nice project for someone to restore or make a California Street hopped up version.
Need to do a deep dive into legal ownership says title status is clean but also says Bill of sale , overall not bad for the money I just don’t want to drive there to get it and lately I’ve heard a lot of horror stories about car shipping.
I’m drawn to skepticism. Would like to see the VIN match to year advertised. Shows various modifications. More pics would be nice.
Saw 2 late 60’s for sale this weekend. Each were lower 20’s and looked like new.
Later motor.
There was a shop in SoCal, that sold repro oval, and split windows that could be welded in.
In addition to the AH 1600hp (’71-’73) engine, there are other “tells” — plastic window crank (’68-on), bleeding yellow paint (not offered til ’71), push button handle instead of icepick, late 60s basket weave. Bidding is up to $3300, but the car comes with a correct tail lid ($750-$1K) and bat wing steering wheel ($500-$1K). Rather than originality, I’d be more concerned with seller mentioning, but not showing, a “fender bender” that needs attention, and learning how long it’s been parked (note the cinder block in front of it).
The car probably sits on a later model pan. This would have been the wide 5 bolt pattern. I owned a 60, but it sat on a 69 pan with 4 bolt pattern.
There are adapters and always have been to bolt on the 5 lug drums so 4 lug wheels could be used. Looks like what is on this bug.
Sold on 2/27/2025 for a high bid of $9,255.55.
Steve R
High bid yes, sold no. Re-listed and no bids yet.