With more than twenty million produced between 1938 and 2003, the Volkswagen Type 1, or more affectionately known as the Beetle or Bug, is both the longest-running and the most-produced vehicle ever built. What that kind of record it’s no surprise that it is probably the most recognizable automobile in the world, and like the Volkswagen Transporter, it has become an American icon despite its German heritage because of its sheer ubiquity. Its existence has generated movies, games, innumerable car shows and clubs, and indeed, led to the creation of an entire culture dedicated to aircooled Volkswagens worldwide. This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle is a second generation model, known best as an oval window, due to the shape of the rear window. Produced from 1953 to 1957, oval window VW Bugs succeeded the split window, and preceded the larger window bugs introduced in 1958 which continued largely unchanged until 2003. Although no longer powered by its original 36hp engine and split-case transmission, it is powered by a later 1600cc single-port flat-four cylinder engine and fully synchronized four-speed manual transmission and is still a 6-volt car. Restored at one point in its life, this VW Beetle was built in February of 1957 and has a matching body and pan, both of which are free of any rust or rot while the green exterior shows nicely and still retains the correct bullet fenders, four tab hood, and “W” decklid. Inside, the white interior shows some age but is free from any rips or tears and the correct clear needle speedometer is present. The bug rides on a set of stock wheels with beauty rings wrapped with new Nankang 165/80R15 tires and also features a pair of Year-of-Make original yellow and black California license plates that are currently registered to the car and will go to the new owner. Overall, this little bug runs well and is in nice shape for its age and would be a great addition to any VW lover’s collection.
