When I look back at the vast array of classic cars that I’ve parked in my garage over the years, I consider myself lucky to discover that I have an early Volkswagen Beetle on that list. I have owned cars that are faster. I have owned cars that handle better and quite a few that were more comfortable. However, for sheer enjoyment, it rates amongst the best that I’ve ever owned. If you’ve never experienced one of these classics, this could be your chance to own one of the best original and unmolested examples in existence today. It is located in Burlingame, California, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner doesn’t specify a price in his listing, but he does indicate that it is also listed for sale here on eBay. It seems that there are plenty of people who like what they see because the bidding has already rocketed to $49,000. However, even at that price, it remains short of the reserve.
This Beetle is a black-plate survivor that could take your breath away. The seller is only the car’s third owner since new, and it appears to have been treated with respect since day one. The original owner retained the car until 1971 when he sold it to its second owner. That person treated the VW to a repaint in its original shade of Sand and continued the respectful treatment until it passed into the hands of its current owner. He has performed another repaint on the Beetle, which holds a depth of color and shine that is impossible to fault. It appears that he was starting the process from the best base possible. The vehicle has spent its life in California, and this has ensured that it has remained rust-free. There’s no evidence of any prior accident damage or repairs, and the panels remain straight and true. The underside shots reveal perfect floors, while the trim and glass add to this classic’s positive impression. Volkswagen may have designed the Beetle as affordable transport for the masses, but the whitewall tires that this one wears add a touch of class.
If the Beetle’s exterior makes a positive impression, the interior offers more of the same. If I cast a super-critical eye over it, I can spots some wear and marks on the carpet on the driver’s side. However, that appears to be about all there is to mention. The upholstered surfaces appear perfect, with no evidence of wear or marks. The headliner is in a similar state, while the painted surfaces hold a shine similar to the exterior. There is no wear on the wheel or shifter and no aftermarket additions. The utilitarian nature of the Beetle means that it doesn’t come equipped with a radio. If you’re planning on undertaking any long journeys, it will be a matter of “tune-up the tonsils” and break out in song to entertain yourself.
Sadly, the owner supplies no engine photos in either listing. This is a shame because the drivetrain is 100% original and numbers-matching. That means that the rear-engined beauty will feature the 1,131cc air-cooled flat-four that pumps out an earthshattering 25hp. Those rampant German stallions find their way to the road via the rear wheels and a 4-speed manual transaxle. Naturally, that combination will not have any muscle cars trembling in their boots (treads?), but that was never Volkswagen’s intention with these classics. The company designed them to be as efficient as possible and to cruise effortlessly on the German Autobahns at a constant 60mph for hours on end. The owner stresses the originality of this classic, right down to items like the starter, generator, and 6-volt electrical system. He says that everything works as it should and that he would not hesitate to drive it anywhere.
Thirty-five years ago, you could wander out into the market with $800 in your pocket, safe in the knowledge that you would be driving home in a roadworthy Beetle of 1950s vintage. Those days are but a memory, and this car graphically demonstrates this. That raises the inevitable question of where the bidding could potentially head on this vehicle. If it made its way beyond $60,000, I wouldn’t be surprised. In the current market, even a figure of $70,000 is not out of the question. We all have regrets in life, and one of mine is that I didn’t keep my Beetle. It cost me $800 when I purchased it, but look at what it would be worth today.
Is the interior standard, or is that an old upgrade? Mine had rubber mats rather than carpets, but was a bit newer (1972 1200) than this one.
It would have had rubber floor mats, either brown or black.
Now here’s a first, an original unmolested survivor with two repaints. Super cool little beetle that’s been restored more than the author can tell.
A ’57 sold in Monterey the other day for $100K, so anybody’s guess here…
Darn, I cut up my 55 to make a few hundred on parts.
Survivor, I don’t think so !
TWO resprays,
An interior re-trimmed in a weird and non original pattern and in cloth !
and Carpet on the boards ???
Also those black plates look like they were bought new last week from a souvenir shop !
This car is NOT a survivor !
It’s just another jizzed up over priced old Kafer !
Early VWs did have cloth upholstery. It continued to be available (technically, standard equipment at that) through the whole run but someone at VW of America must’ve had a thing (npi) for that rubbery basketweave-pattern vinyl or something because it apparently took some doing to get a dealer to order you a cloth-trimmed one and they were all-but-verboten to order cars for dealer stock that way.
I love hearing ” It’s all original, just repainted it, had the upholstery replaced and the motor overhauled”
GPAK,
You missed the original & unmolested TINTED windshield!
This is what you get, when multiple owners each do some minor upgrades and restoration work, to what began as a nice original car.
Body man cracked the front windshield during the paint job you are correct
Those seats don’t look like any I’ve seen in that vintage of VW.
I purchased my 1963 Beetle from a VW dealer in Baumholder, Germany for $300US in 1972. Great car
I prefer my White 1986 Ford Escort Pony hatch back, 4 speed and no radio. Its all original!
And…. .check it out…. the mounted plate on the rear and the unmounted up front are totally different! LOL
Good eyes !
Just noticed that the one in the front trunk I found under the seat but the one on the car is original to the car
Unless you have an original registration, I doubt if the plate is original. When the new style plates were released in ’57, everyone got them. The same thing happened again in ’63 with the black and yellow plates. All of the yellow and black plates were traded in. It was only when the new blue and yellow plates were released in ’69 did the CA DMV stop requiring you to surrender your old plates.
And shouldn’t the little vents on the front fenders match on each side?
Yes, it should have matching vents on the front fenders also the bumpers are not period correct.
Re: RKS comment… the oval “vent” below the headlight. I’ve seen 51’s with no vents, with 1 vent and with a vent on both fenders. All these were, supposedly “original”. 🤷♂️
RKS,
I think I can answer your question.
In 1950 the 2 little grills were round, changing to a single oval one on the early 1951 Deluxe cars, as the horn was mounted behind it. Only a few of these were made with the single oval grill before they changed to the twin grills as it did look better. This is likely a very early 1951 car. I briefly owned a “single grill” version in 1981, and someone at the VW club told me it was correct.
This most likely was a standard model. They only had one grill along with the short headliner and three spoke steering wheel. It’s had a few deluxe modifications added over the years.
Why no pics of engine?
Does it have one?
I will have them up here tomorrow
Numbers from motor
Wouldn’t this be a 36hp engine rather than 25hp as noted in the writeup?
No engine pics. New owner will be disappointed to learn none original engine.
I will be posting engine pics I was having problems with posting the car up
Here you go sir
This car is a scam.
Car is not a scam I am the owner (650)784-2333 call or text me and I can prove it
Motor
It’s a scam for sure. A bug in CA without a roof rack? Now that’s fishy.
First of all I would like to say thank you to barnfinds for posting my car on here!
And I would like to address a few things as well.
The car does have a engine!
It is original motor and transmission!
I never touched the interior and the 85yr old man that I bought from said it’s original so I took his word for it.
And I will be posting motor pics on here because I could not post them on eBay I ran out of space and when I try to revise and add it won’t let me…..any questions you might have or interested parties can call me or text me (650)784-2333 and feel free to ask me anything and also I do not mind having the car checked out by a professional near me at your choice
Anything else just ask Thank you
Im always amused by what the typical vintage roof rack and “black plates” are supposed to add to the apparent collectiveness of these. I love these too and spent some time in the back seat as a wee one, but gosh, for that kind of money, Id be in a 911 without either.
$49K bid with no engine pics?
fat seats clearly unlike any original 50s bug I’ve ever seen.
2 repaints does not equal survivor…..
Where are the semaphores?
did US market cars still have semaphores in ’51 ?
They are exactly where they should be if you look at the pics.