This Volkswagen Beetle left the Wolfsburg factory in West Germany on September 20th, 1957 and was originally destined for sale in San Francisco, California. It was refinished in Coral Red before to the previous owner’s acquisition in January 2021 and has since undergone refurbishment and customizations including 15” copper-plated wheels, a narrowed front beam, rear window louvers, a roof rack, a banjo-style steering wheel, and a window-mounted Thermador car cooler. Accompanied by a collection of invoices as well as a Stiftung AutoMuseum VW certificate, this beautifully appointed Beetle is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Missouri.
This Beetle was previously refinished in the period-correct paint color of Coral Red (L351) and has been decorated with fender-mounted swan-neck mirrors, Hella headlights, a Vintage Speed pine & metal roof rack, and chrome bumpers with overriders and a flagpole holder. It rides on original 15” steel wheels which have been copper-plated and dressed in Federal whitewall tires. A spare wheel, tire, and factory VW hubcap are also included along with a body-colored window-mounted Thermador car cooler. The seller notes the car was refinished after some bodywork was completed during the 1980s and the paint is described to be in good overall condition with some blemishes and spider cracks noted on the rear apron. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.
The cabin presents its factory combination of Gray and Brown leatherette upholstery (M135) complemented by a body-colored dashboard, brown carpeting, and a basket mounted ahead of the shift lever. Accessories include a vintage banjo-style style steering wheel with a St. Christopher horn button, analog VDO gauges, body-colored rear window louvers, and a vintage Bendix Sapphire AM radio.
Power comes from an air-cooled 1,200cc flat-four engine paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox. The car’s suspension features a 4” narrower front beam, replacement shocks, and flipped spindles. The braking system has been overhauled with replacement parts and the engine was recently serviced with an oil change and new spark plugs. The seller adds that the car retains its original 6-volt electrical system.
This sale will include owner’s manuals, some documentation, a clean title, and a certificate from the Stiftung AutoMuseum confirming the car’s original factory options, colors, and production date.
Comments (9)
@Mikeamoss The hubcaps were purchased by the previous owner and were custom made.
The sale includes both sets.
Bid in the amount of $8,000
Where did you purchase the hubcaps?
This car should get good money.. I have a 58 and I've been offered 28K My 58 is a bit more original however, not that far off from this one.. Good luck on your sale as they don't make these anymore...
Bid in the amount of $6,000
Bid in the amount of $3,250
Bid in the amount of $3,000
Bid in the amount of $1,000
The wheels really make the car.