1957 Volkswagen Beetle - Classic

Oval Window Sedan

4 - Cyl.

Manual

1498042

Gasoline

Offered for your consideration is this 1957 Volkswagen Beetle with foldback cloth sunroof. This car is an older restoration that presents its self very well today. While not accurately restored to the final detail it does capture the feel of a proper 1957 Beetle. This Beetle is a great driver, not a show car. On the 1-10 scale I’d rate this somewhere in the 6-7 range. To be clear the Beetle looks a little better in these photos than in person. Having said that it does get a lot of smiles and respect when taken out for a drive. People always want to ask questions or talk about this beetle. Some details on this fine machine. The Body: This is an original factory folding sunroof car. As best as I can tell both front and rear aprons are original. The hood is the correct four tab style. The repaint is now old and thin in spots. There are areas around the side windows that look like sand is under that paint? Little bumps or specks of something, definitely not rust. Speaking of rust there is no rust on the body that I am aware of. One negative point I need to point out is the hinge mount for the driver’s mirror. It’s not there, it looks like the hinge pin was replaced with threaded rod for some reason (see pic)? And of course there are the usual little chips and dings in the paint and bumpers. Under carriage: The complete front link pin front end was replaced with a rebuilt unit including steering box and tie rods about 4,000 miles ago. This front end is height adjustable. The pan is in good condition however there has been a repair made to the battery pan area. The wheels could use a fresh coat of paint. Some surface rust is starting to show. Drivetrain: Stock 36hp engine with standard split case non-syncro 1st gear transmission. Engine will pop and cough a little when cold. Once warmed up everything is great. Of course the engine leaks some oil. The transmission shifts fine in all gears. Last time I looked one axle boot was starting to crack. The original 6volt electronics are still in place. Interior: Nice uncut dash. Seat covers and carpet are showing some normal wear and tear. Everything is in pretty good shape. I don’t believe the red and ivory combo would have been a factory offering. Head liner is in great shape, ragtop has one small split on one edge (see pic). Sunroof opens and closes well. Other stuff: Included in the sale are the older YOM yellow with black license plates the VW is registered on (both front and rear license plates are included). The radio is just for show since it is not wired in and there is no speaker or antenna. I have no idea if the radio would work if it was hooked up or not. For some reason the tail lamp and turn signal housings look to be painted flat black. While they are black they do not have the glossy finish of the rest of the car. The reproduction swan neck mirrors are not holding up very well. The plastic trim holding the mirror glass in place is breaking off and the chrome is starting to pit. The mileage shown on the speedometer is 29,750 and if this is the original speedometer I expect it has rolled over once or twice. This is a 50+ year old car after all. The car is located in Costa Mesa, California. In person inspections can be arraigned and they are encouraged. This car is being sold as is with no guaranty or warranty. Any and all shipping arrangements are the responsibility buyer.