1952 Volkswagen (Typ 1)
chassis no. 1 - 0370290, engine no. 3093081
Rare example“Split Window”. Preserved. Mille Miglia eligible. Sold new by Giacomo Saottini. Since1964 part of the Saottini Collection.
i: This lot is subject to VAT.
The model
The Beetle (officially Typ 1 or, simply Volkswagen, being the only model produced at the time) produced in the first half of 1952 has a series of characteristics that would change that year. It still has openable airvents, on the sides and sidewindows without deflectors; in 1952 the first would be eliminated and deflectors added. The rims will also be modified, passing from 16 to 15 inches; as modified were the dashboard and gearbox which, in the Export model, gained synchronized 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears. The Beetle in 1952 still has the rear window divided in two parts (the car is called "Bretzel-kafer", due to its shape which is reminiscent of the famous German biscuit bread). In 1953, production of the model with the split rear window ceased, taking on an oval shape. Only later, due (according to popular legend) to advice from Sergio (Pinin) Farina, the rear window will be enlarged.
The car
The Beetle with chassis no. 1-0370290, in De Luxe set up, was one of the first (but it is likely to be literally the first) sold by Giacomo Saottini himself, in July 1952. Since 1951 Saottini Auto had been a Volkswagen and Porsche dealer; the first appointed in Italy. A particularity, reported on the certificate of registration to the PRA, is that the importer for Italy of the Volkswagen brand was "Mario Mordacci" of Modena, the first company with which Gerard Gumpert operated in Italy and from which, subsequently, in the1954 Autogerma originated, today evolved into the Volkswagen Group Italy. On March 25, 1964, the vehicle returned into the possession of Saottini Auto with a special power of attorney from the then owner Angelo Bracchi, subsequently converted into a deed of sale and, since that date, has always been in the company's possession, guarded with respect. The car is still registered with the original Brescia plates, has a "page" booklet of its first registration and a certificate of origin from the manufacturer. The car is in perfect condition, with bodywork painted in pastel green (L-11), and the interior in fabric, bearing some traces of time but in excellent condition. Mechanics in perfect order, with 1131 cc engine, always maintained according to the house's protocols.
State of the art
Preserved, very good condition; restoration interventions for maintenance.
Certificates & statements
Volkswagen certificate of origin.
Documents
Original Italian registration and plates.
Elegibility
Mille Miglia.
Giro di Sicilia.
Targa Florio.
Goodwood Revival.
Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti.
Coppa delle Alpi by 1000 Miglia.
Winter Marathon.
California Mille.
Nürburgring Classic.
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille.
Concorso d’eleganza Villa D’Este.
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
chassis no. 1 - 0370290, engine no. 3093081
Rare example“Split Window”. Preserved. Mille Miglia eligible. Sold new by Giacomo Saottini. Since1964 part of the Saottini Collection.
i: This lot is subject to VAT.
The model
The Beetle (officially Typ 1 or, simply Volkswagen, being the only model produced at the time) produced in the first half of 1952 has a series of characteristics that would change that year. It still has openable airvents, on the sides and sidewindows without deflectors; in 1952 the first would be eliminated and deflectors added. The rims will also be modified, passing from 16 to 15 inches; as modified were the dashboard and gearbox which, in the Export model, gained synchronized 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears. The Beetle in 1952 still has the rear window divided in two parts (the car is called "Bretzel-kafer", due to its shape which is reminiscent of the famous German biscuit bread). In 1953, production of the model with the split rear window ceased, taking on an oval shape. Only later, due (according to popular legend) to advice from Sergio (Pinin) Farina, the rear window will be enlarged.
The car
The Beetle with chassis no. 1-0370290, in De Luxe set up, was one of the first (but it is likely to be literally the first) sold by Giacomo Saottini himself, in July 1952. Since 1951 Saottini Auto had been a Volkswagen and Porsche dealer; the first appointed in Italy. A particularity, reported on the certificate of registration to the PRA, is that the importer for Italy of the Volkswagen brand was "Mario Mordacci" of Modena, the first company with which Gerard Gumpert operated in Italy and from which, subsequently, in the1954 Autogerma originated, today evolved into the Volkswagen Group Italy. On March 25, 1964, the vehicle returned into the possession of Saottini Auto with a special power of attorney from the then owner Angelo Bracchi, subsequently converted into a deed of sale and, since that date, has always been in the company's possession, guarded with respect. The car is still registered with the original Brescia plates, has a "page" booklet of its first registration and a certificate of origin from the manufacturer. The car is in perfect condition, with bodywork painted in pastel green (L-11), and the interior in fabric, bearing some traces of time but in excellent condition. Mechanics in perfect order, with 1131 cc engine, always maintained according to the house's protocols.
State of the art
Preserved, very good condition; restoration interventions for maintenance.
Certificates & statements
Volkswagen certificate of origin.
Documents
Original Italian registration and plates.
Elegibility
Mille Miglia.
Giro di Sicilia.
Targa Florio.
Goodwood Revival.
Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti.
Coppa delle Alpi by 1000 Miglia.
Winter Marathon.
California Mille.
Nürburgring Classic.
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille.
Concorso d’eleganza Villa D’Este.
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
