1955 Volkswagen Beetle DeLuxe (Type 113) 2-Door Oval-Window Sedan
Wonderful 1955 Volkswagen Beetle DeLuxe 2-door oval-window sedan in excellent original cosmetic and mechanical condition and with only 85,238 indicated kilometers on the odometer. The car has a 1.2-liter engine making 36 horsepower and a four-speed manual transmission. A factory original car, including the traditional VW semaphore turn signals and original interior. This is the DeLuxe model with special trim, a white string wheel, and a radio. The car was converted to 12V at some point during prior ownership.
The vehicle has a Danish title, registration, and papers dating back to May 1955. The car is coming from long-term Danish ownership (16 years!). The car passed Danish Technical Inspection (Syn/MOT/TUV) in August 2020 and will not have to pass inspection until August 2028!
A full inspection and service have been completed in-house, and the car can be enjoyed as-is for many years.
Car Specification:
VIN/Chassis Number: 10877500
Odometer: 85,238 kilometers
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Engine: 1.2-liter, air-cooled, four-cylinder boxer, 36 hp
History of the 1950–1959 Beetle:
During this period many changes were made throughout the vehicle, beginning with the availability of hydraulic brakes and a folding fabric sunroof in 1950. The rear window of the VW Beetle evolved from a divided or "split" oval to a singular oval. The change occurred between October 1952 and March 1953.
1953 models received a redesigned instrument panel. The one-piece "Pope's Nose" combination license plate/brake light was replaced by a smaller flat-bottomed license plate light. The brake light function was transferred to new heart-shaped lamps located at the top of the taillight housings.
In 1954, Volkswagen added 2 mm (0.079 in) to the cylinder bore, increasing the displacement from 1,131 (1100) cc to 1,192 (1200) cc. This coincided with upgrades to various key components, including a redesign of the crankshaft. This increased power from 30 hp to 36 hp and improved the engine's free-revving abilities without compromising torque at lower engine speeds. At the same time, compression ratios were progressively raised as, little by little, the octane ratings of available fuel were raised in major markets during the 1950s and 1960s.
In 1955, the separate brake lights were discontinued and were combined into a new larger taillight housing. The traditional VW semaphore turn signals were replaced by conventional flashing directional indicator lamps for North America.
In 1956, the Beetle received what would become one of its more distinctive features, a set of twin chrome tailpipes. Models for North America gained taller bumper guards and tubular overrider bars.
In 1958, the Beetle received a revised instrument panel, and a larger rectangular rear window replaced the previous oval design.
