Volkswagen Beetle Typ1 Cabriolet 1959
General description :
Model History
One of the 20th century's most iconic automobiles, the Volkswagen Beetle transcended its origins as the German “People's Car”, going on to become an all-time best-seller and cult classic. Originally conceived by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, it inspired great loyalty and enthusiasm based on its practicality, reliability, adaptability and affordability. The Beetle was simple to build with an air-cooled engine eliminating the whole water-cooling system of pumps, pipes, hoses and radiators as well as reducing the risk of freezing in cold northern winters.
It was in 1948 that Wilhelm Karmann first bought a VW Beetle sedan and converted it into a four-seater convertible. The Beetle Cabriolet began production in 1949 by Karmann in Osnabrück, after being successfully presented at VW in Wolfsburg. The Cabriolet was more than a Beetle with a folding top. To compensate for the strength lost in removing the roof; sills were reinforced with welded U-channel rails, a transverse beam was fitted below the front edge of the rear seat cushion, and the side cowl-panels below the instrument panel were double-wall. In addition, the lower corners of the door apertures had welded-in curved gussets. The doors had secondary alignment wedges at the B-pillar, all in all producing a ridged chassis for the little convertible.
Equipment
Right-hand drive, Pearl White paintwork, Cream and red vinyl upholstery, Folding mohair soft-top in black, Mohair tonneau cover in black, 1600cc engine upgrade, 4-speed manual transmission, Semaphore indicators, Front lap belts, Glove compartment, Chrome VW hubcaps, Wing mirrors, White wall tyre inserts, Spare wheel.
Exterior
This beautiful surviving 1959 cabriolet is in truly stunning condition. In 2018 it was freshly overhauled with a first-rate paint job that has a wonderfully smooth and unblemished finish. The car was carefully put back together with hundreds of new parts giving a super sharp appearance. All the chrome trims are immaculate with the only negatives being a little patina around the quarter light windows and a small dent on the passenger-side running board. During the restoration this lovely bug was treated to a top-quality convertible roof with all the correct wood finishes at a cost of over £2k. Another nice touch on these early examples are the semaphore indicators which are working exactly as they should.
VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Interior
The inside of the Beetle is just as stunning as the exterior with beautifully retrimmed seats and tan carpets. Again, any damaged or worn parts have been replaced or refurbished with period-correct items. All of the paintwork on the dash and inner body is immaculate and everything works as it should. The storage compartment behind the rear seat is very tidy and opening the bonnet reveals more of the pristine paint finish and also the spare wheel.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
In 2018 the car had a 1600cc twin port reconditioned engine fitted with new heads. The attention to detail in the engine bay is also excellent with immaculate paintwork to the inner body and lovely attention to detail on the finish of the engine. On test she drove beautifully and is sure to put a big smile on the new owner’s face.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
All of the wheels are in immaculate condition with no damage to the chrome caps or painted steel rims. The tyres have all recently been fitted so have over 7mm of tread remaining. On test the brakes felt strong and responsive, and there were no annoying squeaks or rattles from the suspension.
History File
This charming 1959 Karmann convertible comes with a huge file of paperwork covering the full refresh that took place in 2018. Every part purchased has been documented including the engine, gearbox, and soft-top. There are also a few photographs showing the car fully stripped and ready for paint. We have just had the Beetle fully inspected and a fresh lubrication service carried out. Early right-hand drive examples such as this are rare, and in its current condition this is an extremely desirable car that’s ready to be loved and enjoyed for many years to come.
http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/vw-beetle-cabriolet-for-sale/
1959 Volkswagen Beetle Typ1 Cabriolet is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £33995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Volkswagen Model : Beetle Typ1 Model Version : Cabriolet Engine size : 1.6 Model Year : 1959 Sub type : Convertible Location : Hampshire
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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.