Vehicle Description
It could easily be argued that the Volkswagen Beetle (officially
designated the Type 1) is the most popular and most recognizable
car ever produced. Like the Ford Model T before it, the Volkswagen
put a nation (and the world) on wheels thanks to its low cost and
elegant mechanical simplicity. Despite its somewhat dubious roots
within the Third Reich, the VW Beetle proved immensely popular in
the post war years, particularly in a recovering Europe. In the US
market, this funny little rear-engine car took some time to catch
on, but once it did, it became immersed in popular culture,
particularly through the 1960s. Many great mechanics and race car
builders got their start tinkering with Beetles thanks to their
simplicity, ease of service and surprising potential. A staggering
21.5 million examples were built between 1938 and 2003, becoming
the longest running, highest selling, single-platform vehicle in
history. From the first car to the last, changes were made not for
the sake of change but always with the purpose of improvement and
refinement. 1949 marked a major milestone for VW, as the year the
very first Beetle was imported to the US market by the daring and
brilliant Max Hoffman. Max Hoffman Imports had a bustling showroom
in New York, and he was one of the most influential players in the
European motoring industry, responsible for translating American
tastes to European companies, along the way ensuring the success of
companies like BMW, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche
established themselves in the fickle American marketplace. While
the Beetles of the 60s and 70s are most familiar to the general
public, it is the cars built in the 1950s and earlier that attract
the most attention from serious collectors and enthusiasts. They
are considered the purest of form, and are also among the rarest
given the lower production numbers and high attrition rate. True to
the original design by Dr. Porsche, the shape is subtle yet
complex, with form following function in a classic Teutonic manner.
The earliest years of Volkswagen production were limited, with
production truly gearing up after WWII was over and Germany was in
recovery. This 1949 Volkswagen Type 1 is a beautifully and recently
restored example finished true to original specification. The body
is outstanding, with lovely Pearl Grey paint laid down over
excellent panels. Decklids fit beautifully and the doors shut
solidly with excellent gaps. It has a wonderful, simple charm to
it, and the paint work is expertly finished, carefully executed to
not appear too glossy but with a period appropriate sheen that
lends the car a factory-fresh appearance. The bumpers are
excellent, as are lamp bezels on the correct Bosch lenses. Plain,
painted steel wheels wear blackwall tires and simple chrome hub
caps emblazoned with the VW logo. Semaphores in the B-pillars
harken back to the car's prewar roots and the distinct lack of trim
and brightwork recalls the VW's singular purpose as the car of the
people. Charming simplicity continues inside where the
accommodations are about as basic as you can get, however the
impeccable quality of the restoration shines through in expertly
fit fabric seat upholstery and fine quality detailing front and
rear. Kick panels and sills are covered in German squareweave
carpet and the floors lined in fluted rubber mat. The dash is about
as uncomplicated as you can get, housing a speedometer, glovebox
and little else. What switchgear there is (for headlamps, wipers
and turn signals) is correct. The cabin is the perfect antithesis
to today's needlessly complex automobiles that are full of
distractions; this is a tool for driving, something you use to get
from point to point as efficiently as possible, and yet the VW
accomplishes its purpose in such an endearing way. A correct 1131
cc horizontally opposed four cylinder sits out behind the rear axle
line. The engine number (1-0135937) corresponds with both the
chassis and serial numbers on the data tag and stampings in the
body. The engine is carefully and properly detailed with period
appropriate parts such as the brown-top Bosch coil and distributor
cap, and black lacquered ignition leads. Engine sheet metal is
beautifully restored and painted in a semi-gloss black as correct.
It is exceptionally clean and tidy, showing almost no use since the
restoration. This is a beautifully presented Beetle; a highly
desirable example from the early days of this iconic machine and a
pure, simple joy to drive. This example's fresh and immaculately
prepared restoration make it immediately ready for show and
enjoyment.