Vehicle Description
1959 Volkswagen Beetle Deluxe
"Interest in foreign cars started rising sharply in the early
1950's. In 1955 Volkswagen sales reached 31,000 including 2000
Transporters, (vans/buses/pickups). In 1956 sales jumped to 50,000
sedans and 5000 Transporters. Headquarters personnel reached fifty
four and moved to a small brick building in Englewood Cliffs, New
Jersey, across the George Washington Bridge from New York City. The
peak year for imported cars in the United States was reached in
1959, with 614,131 sold. Of these, VW's leading share was 120,442
sedan and 30,159 Transporters." From the book Small Wonder, 1965,
by Walter Henry Nelson.
For consignment, a 1959 Volkswagen Beetle Deluxe with a title
verified 98,680 actual miles. Per our consignor, a full restoration
was completed in 1991 and the car has been driven less than 10,000
miles since then. Based on the list of show awards, the box of
trophies, and the overall condition, it's clear the restoration has
held up very well over the years. The car was also a VW Trends
October 1995 feature car.
Exterior
As one of the original colors available in 1959, Mignonette Green
provides a stunning hue on this classic Beetle, and since
mignonette is French slang for delicate, this green is a soft,
almost pastel shade with grayish tones. The coordination of color
with the 15-inch wheels is spectacular and augmented by an ivory
painted ring, a polished hub cap, and wide white walls. The black
of the tires picks up on the running board which in turn matches
the vinyl retractable sunroof under the wood slatted luggage rack.
Polished metal abounds, and it's in great shape including the
headlight rings, door handles, body trim, marker light housing, and
front and rear bumpers. The enamel Wolfsburg emblem on the front
adds a touch of color while small tail lights hang low on the
fenders in back. The only exterior flaws are a chip on a fender and
we note some bubbling on the painted part of the interior door.
Interior
A beige vinyl panel is sandwiched by dark green pieces on the door
cards, each presenting well and the driver's including a pleated
storage pocket. The colors repeat on the seats with green borders
on light beige inserts of the bucket seats, mirrored on the back
bench and in excellent condition. The black steering wheel fronts
the simple dash with a single gauge, and ivory buttons and knobs on
the radio and mignonette background, clean and uncomplicated. Camel
Berber style cloth lines the footwells above a black rubber mat on
the floor that surrounds the shifter and its ivory knob. The
spotless frunk holds a spare tire and fuel tank. In short, the
entire interior is show quality.
Drivetrain
Under the rear hatch is a clean 1192cc flat four cylinder, air
cooled engine putting out 36 horsepower and fueled by a 1-barrel
carburetor. A 4-speed manual keeps power at the rear and routes
through 4.40 gears while drum brakes occupy all four corners.
Undercarriage
Generally clean and dry underneath with clear knuckles and minimal
surface rust. The transaxle is coated with a heavy layer of grease
and varies from the overall condition. The dual exhaust runs
through a stock style muffler where we note some blow back, and it
releases via two straight tailpipes that end with polished chrome
tips. Both ends have independent suspension with a transverse
torsion bar up front and a swing axle with trailing arms and a
torsion bar out back.
Drive-Ability
We propel this clean Beetle onto the test loop and shift through
the gears with ease. If you want speed, get a VW R32, but if you
want to roll slow with class, this warm colored bug is the answer.
And roll we did and the car ran well and tracked straight with no
complaints. We do note the following not working; the horn, the
radio, and the wipers. Also, the heater cables will need adjusting.
Beyond those things, all functions, limited as they might be,
operated as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these
functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot
guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your
purchase.
We're not sure how many 1959 Beetles are still roadworthy in the
U.S., but it's likely a small number. How many of them present as
they did in 1959? Even fewer! This is a fantastic piece of
automotive history, and it comes to you with binders full of
restoration details and documented award provenance. This is a
collector's grade Volkswagen for the discerning buyer, so if it's
vintage Fahrvergn�gen you seek, uncork this delicate, aged
beauty.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
