Sold 1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2146360170 Tweet

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 cars prewar roots and the distinct lack of trim and brightwork recalls the VWs 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 todays 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 examples fresh and immaculately prepared restoration make it immediately ready for show and enjoyment.Offers welcome and trades consideredFor additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6601-1949-volkswagen-beetle-sedan/