Volkswagen Beetle Typ1 Type 11 1947 unique Illesheim factory rebuild Volkswagen, 1947
General description :
1947 Volkswagen Illesheim Type11. This is without doubt an unique chance to acquire one of the few remaining official Factory supervised Rebuild VW`s. This car has been exceptionally well preserved. No much is known, even by the purists, about the VW rebuild program, that was introduced by Major Ivan Hurst. Following the end of W.W.II production of VW`s was hampered by a number of problems. The Volkswagen Werken had suffered heavy allied bomb-damage, resulting in considerable damage to the production lines. There was an enormous shortage of base materials and parts. A lot of the workforce was either malnourished or in POW camps. Together with his superior commanding officer Colonel Radelyne, Major Ivan Hurst hatched the plan to salvage all of the war-damaged VW`s for use in the production of new vehicles. In 1947 the Illesheim Ordinance Depot and Vehicle Reserve Park was set up on the grounds of the Illesheim airfield. The setup served two purposes; a vehicle rebuilding program and distribution of newly arrived American machinery to various US army units in Germany. The rebuilding program encompassed restoring damaged US army vehicles such Jeeps and 2-Ton trucks as well as Volkswagens that had been left behind by fighting and support troops that had been repatriated to the US. Each vehicle was thoroughly rebuilt and given a new coat of paint, new tyres and battery. These vehicles were then supplied to NATO allies under the Mutual Defence Assistance Program. This VW still has retained all of the original ID tags. They demonstrate that this car had a hard life in the then war-torn post-war Germany. US army Sergeants drove it besides their usual Jeeps. Chance would have it that this particular car has been preserved. In the 50`s it was not popular for US personnel to take VW`s back to the States at the end of their tour of duty with their associations to the war, odd and tattered looks. The tags above drivers-side the front screen and behind the reserve wheel were another reason at the time to avoid these VW`s. Now, many years later, from a historic perspective, this car represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of post W.W.II allied VW history. This VW was mentioned in Dr. Ulrich von Pidolls` book ‘ VW Kafer, ein auto schreibt geschichte’ (ISBN 3-930565-36-1). More information about the Volkswagen Factory Rebuild phenomenon can be found in another book ‘Rise from the ashes of war’ by Simon Parkinson. The 1948 engine in this car is one of the rebuild engines, as are the steering wheel, dashboard controls, the bonnet, heating tunnels and front mudguards. The engine also has a number of rare and less obvious features. The ignition-coil housing bearing an imprinted cross, the bulge in the distributor cap to accommodate the typical winter and summer settings handle and the distinctive logo on the NOS headlights and gear knob. All this forms part of the restoration carried out a few decennia ago. All materials used are original VW parts even though they may date from a later period. This is one of the few Beetles that have survived from the early post-war era. Its last owner during used the car itself at weekends and was determined not to change anything. It drives fantastically, the bodywork is marvellous, and the underbody is in perfect condition and shows no signs of corrosion. In short one of but a few, truly remarkable pieces of working history!
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1947 Volkswagen Beetle Typ1 Type 11 1947 unique Illesheim factory rebuild Volkswagen, is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Brummen by Gallery Dealer for €67500.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Volkswagen Model : Beetle Typ1 Model Version : Type 11 1947 unique Illesheim factory rebuild Volkswagen, Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1947 Sub type : Coupé Location : Brummen
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About Volkswagen
The Volkswagen story is indeed an intriguing tale of innovation, resilience, and post-war revival, marked by various models that have become iconic in automotive history.The People's Car (Volkswagen): Initially envisioned by Adolf Hitler in the 1930s as a "people's car" or "Volkswagen" in German, the idea was to create an affordable and practical vehicle for the German people. This concept led to the development of the Volkswagen Beetle (or the Type 1), designed by Ferdinand Porsche.
Post-War Challenges: After World War II, Volkswagen faced significant challenges. The factory was heavily damaged, and the brand's association with the Nazi regime led to a lack of interest in the car in some regions.
British Intervention - The British Army & Ivan Hirst: The British Army took control of the factory in the immediate post-war period. Major Ivan Hirst, a British Army officer, played a crucial role in reviving Volkswagen. He recognized the potential of the Beetle and advocated for its production, convincing the British military to order several thousand cars. This decision helped jumpstart the brand's revival.
Export Success and the Beetle's Global Appeal: The Beetle gained popularity not only in Germany but also globally, becoming an icon of affordable motoring. Its simple, reliable design and unique appearance made it a favorite among consumers worldwide.
Model Evolution: Over the years, Volkswagen introduced various models alongside the Beetle, each contributing to the brand's growth:
Type 2 (VW Bus or Transporter): Introduced in the 1950s, it became an iconic symbol of the hippie movement in the 1960s, loved for its spaciousness and versatility.
Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.): Launched in the mid-1970s, the Golf (or Rabbit in the U.S.) marked a shift towards front-wheel-drive, modern design, and hatchback practicality, becoming a cornerstone of the brand's success.
Passat, Jetta, and Other Models: Volkswagen expanded its lineup with models like the Passat and Jetta, catering to different market segments.
Challenges and Innovations: Despite success, Volkswagen faced challenges, including quality issues in the 1970s. However, the brand continued to innovate and develop new models and technologies.
Rise of the GTI and Global Expansion: The 1980s saw the rise of the iconic Golf GTI, a high-performance version that sparked the hot hatch trend. Volkswagen also expanded its global presence during this period.
The British intervention in reviving Volkswagen after World War II played a pivotal role in the brand's resurgence. While there might have been some tensions or competition among automotive companies in the 1950s and 1960s due to Volkswagen's post-war success, the brand's ability to produce innovative and popular models solidified its place in automotive history.