An extraordinarily original example, with many desirable accessories.

SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Volkswagenwerk GmbH

Origin: Wolfsburg, West Germany

Production: 4,740

Motor: air-cooled 4-cyl

Displacement: 1,192 cc

Power: 36 hp

Length: 13 ft. 4.5 in.

Identification No. 10702874

Officially known at first as the Type 1, the Beetle evolved from the pre-war KdF-Wagen. Conceived from the experiments of Project 12 at the Porsche facility, engineers settled on a revolutionary rear-mounted engine mated to a simple yet effective platform chassis. The car underwent countless revisions, and 30 prototypes were built by 1935. Eventually, the Series 38 design would embody the Beetle as we know it today. Offered here is this Type 1200 Deluxe Convertible Sedan, which is perhaps one of the most original examples available in the world.

One of only 4,740 examples produced, the original seats, floor mats, door panels, headliner, gaskets, and glass are all incredibly original. The engine bay and trunk are completely original as well, with paint, writing, and cardboard panels all mint and original. The Dehne gas gauge works perfectly, as do the period radio and speaker.

The exterior was repainted in 1974 in the highly attractive green color, although the matching green interior was left completely original. There are some honest signs of daily life evident on the exterior, but the inside remains in completely sanitary, time-warp condition. This Beetle sat preserved for 35 years in a car shed in the West Monroe area of Los Angeles. The original engine was disassembled and inspected and found to be in good order, and over the years, many individuals in the Volkswagen community, apparently even including Volkswagen AG, have come forward attempting to purchase the vehicle. Fortunately, the museum was in the right place at the right time to be able to purchase what is one of the most original convertibles known. Loaded with numerous accessories, including mud flaps, a flower vase, fog lights, Bosch horns, and the highly desirable Sperwolf shifter lock, it is now offered to a new home where its authenticity will be truly hard to beat.