1959 Volkswagen Beetle Flat Screen 1600

This left-hand drive Beetle started its life in February 1959 as a ‘Deluxe Sedan’ according to its build sheet from Wolfsburg. It was also originally painted black but has since been vastly improved by the application of a quality coating of light blue (carried out in 2017). The car was imported into the UK in 2005 but sadly, we know very little of its time abroad other than the information above.

Since landing in Blighty, the car has had five keepers and has just recently had its 1.2-litre engine replaced with a brand new 1.6-litre alternative. The car is, of course, tax and MoT exempt and represents a fantastic opportunity to experience the charm and style of an early Beetle with the power and usability of a much later one.

The purity of design of early Beetles has long endeared them to collectors of VW’s best-selling machine. Its minimal body chrome and lack of later ugly plastic adornments have won it many fans. This example benefits from super cool two-tone painted white and body-coloured steel wheels, each finished off with huge domed hubcaps, adding yet more chrome and flair to the mix. The fabric top is another desirable option that’s ideal for those summer drives along sun-drenched coastlines.

The paintwork is in very good order throughout, we had to take a long look to find anything even slightly amiss with it. We did find a little mark just to the right and above the Wolfsburg badge on the snout but that was about all. The fabulous, period-correct trafficators illuminate and pop in and out as you’d expect. Elegant side mirrors on long chrome stalks perfectly compliment the chrome flutes and side stripes. It’s as evocative of its era as an episode of I love Lucy.

The period charm of the 1950s continues in the cabin from the Bakelite steering wheel, gear knob and switches to the tweed fabric. The custom matching side cushions in the back are a nice touch, as are the pretty discreet JVC CD and USB stereo tucked up under the dash (passenger side) and its rear passenger footwell-mounted Vibe speakers. All the trim in here displays little to no wear whatsoever, though there’s the odd spot of patina that we’d keep exactly as it is. For example, the pitting on the chrome trim through the centre of the dash remind you that this machine is 62 years old. It’s nice to see that there has been the odd concession to modern motoring added however, not just the stereo, but safety equipment like the addition of the front inertia-reel seatbelts.

The underside of this Beetle certainly hasn’t been ignored, in fact, it’s almost as clean under here as it is on top. The factory underseal has made way for paint – a darker shade than the body colour to differentiate the car’s chassis and major components. There’s very little corrosion to be found anywhere and this underside would certainly show up any. Having said that, there’s a couple of patches of surface crud just starting to break the paint on the front edge of the floor, where it meets the front axle, but it appears to be well within the margin of saving without the need for welding.

The paint does look fabulous but the lack of underseal does potentially limit this car’s use to fine, dry summer days. The brand-new Autolinea (Brazilian) engine block is hard to miss as its near pristine finish is certainly an uncommon sight under an old Beetle (outside of the VW show scene). The exhaust manifold and system has been upgraded to a stainless-steel alternative that looks great, although we did notice that the right-hand tailpipe is exiting the back at a different angle to the left one. A minor quibble that’s likely easily fixed.

The bulk of the history for this fantastic Volkswagen emanates from its time on our shores. There are MoT certificates going back to the mid 2000s and the V5 confirms the car’s import date of 2005. Further back, there’s an official Volkswagen August 1965 Sedan and convertible manual included and the confirmation of build date (February 1959) and original specification from the VW Auto Museum.

The big highlight in the history is undoubtedly the bills pertaining to the replacement engine. Bills for supply and fitting come to £3194,74 and it’s also reassuring to see that the new Weber 32/36 carburettor and motor were correctly run-in and given a tune on a rolling road. This took place at BD Engineering near Sittingbourne, Kent whose technician found the carb’s main jet to be too lean so changed it for a better flowing alternative. This, and the fastidious former owners, have ensured that this Beetle drives every bit as well as it looks.

Beetles from this era are some of the most popular out there. They retain much of the classic look of the original ‘Käfer’ but with greater usability and safety. Though this example takes things a step further still with its punchy 1641cc engine and its more reliable electric fuel pump. The Weber carburettor is also a popular and useful upgrade, especially as it’s been tailored to this engine on the rolling road. All adding up to a Beetle that looks like a classic but performs like a much newer vehicle. That, combined with this VW’s excellent condition inside and out, is why we’re happy to place its reserve at between £12,500 to £15,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.