If you’re into collecting air-cooled Volkswagen Beetles, you likely know by now that finding a split window is amazing, and discovering a barn-find oval window is pretty darn good, too. The seller here apparently found this desirable oval window Beetle in a barn, and given it’s been a California car since new, it is almost entirely rust-free save for a small spot in the battery tray. Even the troublesome heater channels are sound, as are the floors, which is just unheard of in Beetles of any era. This Bug is listed here on eBay as a runner with an asking price of $23,500.
It certainly looks like a real-deal survivor, with aged paint that is still mostly complete, and the classic OEM hubcaps still attached. The chrome bumpers with gigantic overriders are also mostly straight and the factory antenna remains affixed to the fender. The glass headlamps are in nice shape as well, and overall, it gives off the appearance of a Beetle that hasn’t been messed with. Given California was ground zero in the 60s and 70s for modifying old air-cooled Beetles, it’s pretty amazing this one remains mostly stock.
The seller has tinkered with it slightly, as he dropped the spindle beam in the front and you can see that in the photo above with the lower ride height over the front wheels (see what I mean? They all end up modified!) Still, that’s a tweak I approve of, as Beetles look awesome with a slight drop. The interior looks very good, and the seller notes he rebuilt the seats and added new padding and covers. The end result is very nice, and while I suspect the original color was different than the camel-colored surfaces we see here, it works with the faded blue paint. The seller mentions he also replaced the driver door with a matching ’57 door that had the correct wing window.
We don’t get many other photos, but this one at least shows you how solid it is under the trunk lid. The wiring looks clean as well, and the seller notes the only mechanical sorting he did was to install a new battery, tires, and rebuilt carburetor. That’s not much work at all to have a running, driving Beetle, but he does indicate there’s more work to do to make this into a reliable driver. The engine isn’t original but it is a correct 36 b.h.p. unit that is from another ’57 Bug, so at least it’s date-coded correctly. It’s not cheap, but nearly rust-free and original oval window Beetles don’t turn up every day, so I can certainly understand the asking price.
I would have to agree in the current market finding a rust free oval is going to command a price. I think that price is still in line based on the condition of this car. Too bad the seller hasn’t taken the time to post more pictures.
Neat car. I wish I had it. Seems a little expensive, but I’m probably out of touch. However, these things bother me:
1. I’d like to to know more of the history. It implies “California car all it’s life”, but if so it would not have that version of the CA license plate. Based just on that, I’d guess first licensed in CA ~2005
2. When I keep seeing “Rare” for a car that they literally made millions of, it screams uninformed flipper. Just because you don’t see them every day (and they are collectable), a non-sunroof bug of unknown history (in non factory color, with mods) is not “rare”.
3. You replaced the door but can’t show us a picture? grrr… are you hiding something?
A good survivor body for sure minus the door swap.
To bad the engine is not original and stored separately.
This lil beetle deserves a restoration 👍
🤔 not an original motor……gut it, put the existing drivetrain on a stand. Build a solid Trans, drop in a 2200. Beef up the brakes and go home some honest Saturday night cruise in fun! Man, I love these little cars so much!!
Be nice to see a photo showing that replaced drivers door….
Judging by the interior photo that shows a rusty, cardless door, I’d guess the outside of the driver’s door doesn’t look too great either, and it’s probably a totally different color too. Still, I’d love to have this car.
Judging by the interior photo that shows a rusty, cardless door, I’d guess the outside of the driver’s door doesn’t look too great either, and it’s probably a totally different color too. Still, I’d love to have this car.
Price dropped $2K.