1955 Volkswagen (Typ 1)
chassis no. 1 - 1000567, engine no. 1 - 1203899
Rare example “Oval Window”. Mille Miglia eligible. Matching numbers. Sunroof.
The Model
The Beetle (officially Typ 1) sees, in 1952, a series of important changes. In that year, the air conveyors that can be opened on the sides are eliminated while the side windows are equipped with quarters. The rims, that go from 16 to 15 inches, are also modified; modified also dashboard and gearbox which, in the Export model, gains synchronized 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear. In 1953 the oval rear window was introduced and no longer divided into two parts (for which the car was nicknamed "Bretzel-kafer", for the shape reminiscent of the famous German biscuit bread). This model, highly appreciated especially in the Export version, is identified today by fans with the "Oval Window" nickname. The Oval Window marks the debut of the new 1.2-liter displacement that replaces the 1.1-liter engine and will then accompany the whole history of the beetle. In this same 1953, Volkswagen opens its Brazilian branch near Ipiranga, in São Paulo, taking a decisive step towards conquering foreign markets. In 1955 the millionth Beetle was built, now preserved in the Volkswagen Museum in Wolfsburg. In August of the same year, a new method for cataloging models was introduced, the so-called "model year" (MY): the changes and improvements are put into production starting from 1 August of the same year, but refer to the following year. So changes inherent to MY 1956 are already available on the cars produced in August 1955. The Oval Window continued on its way until 1958. In that year, Volkswagen technicians turned to Battista Farina, founder of Pininfarina to renew the Beetle, who entrusts the task of reviewing the car to his son Sergio. The engineer studied the car thoroughly and then asked Volkswagen technicians: "It's perfect like that, why do you want to change it?". Sergio Farina will only advise to expand the characteristic oval rear window to improve visibility, taking a first, so to speak, "modern" shape.
The car
The Beetle with chassis no. 1-1000567, of the type called "Oval Window", in the De Luxe version, was produced in September 1955 and from the factory numbers the engine seems to be not only the correct one, but also the original one and matching numbers, being consistent with dates. The car has been restored and is in perfect condition, with the body painted in the original color (L-313) "Schilfgrün"/Reed green, and the preserved interior in green leatherette (P 128) which has an elegant contrast in the ivory-colored steering wheel and knobs; interior are with traces of time, but in excellent condition. The black folding top is new. It has both the original wand arrows and lights updated to code, but not aesthetically invasive. Mechanics restored, with 1200 cc engine. An optional Blaupunkt car radio of the era is fitted.
State of the art
Restored, excellent condition; preserved interior.
Documents
Italian registration and plates.
Elegibility
Mille Miglia.
Giro di Sicilia.
Targa Florio.
Goodwood Revival.
Rallye Monte-Carlo Historic.
Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti.
Coppa delle Alpi by 1000 Miglia.
Winter Marathon.
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
chassis no. 1 - 1000567, engine no. 1 - 1203899
Rare example “Oval Window”. Mille Miglia eligible. Matching numbers. Sunroof.
The Model
The Beetle (officially Typ 1) sees, in 1952, a series of important changes. In that year, the air conveyors that can be opened on the sides are eliminated while the side windows are equipped with quarters. The rims, that go from 16 to 15 inches, are also modified; modified also dashboard and gearbox which, in the Export model, gains synchronized 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear. In 1953 the oval rear window was introduced and no longer divided into two parts (for which the car was nicknamed "Bretzel-kafer", for the shape reminiscent of the famous German biscuit bread). This model, highly appreciated especially in the Export version, is identified today by fans with the "Oval Window" nickname. The Oval Window marks the debut of the new 1.2-liter displacement that replaces the 1.1-liter engine and will then accompany the whole history of the beetle. In this same 1953, Volkswagen opens its Brazilian branch near Ipiranga, in São Paulo, taking a decisive step towards conquering foreign markets. In 1955 the millionth Beetle was built, now preserved in the Volkswagen Museum in Wolfsburg. In August of the same year, a new method for cataloging models was introduced, the so-called "model year" (MY): the changes and improvements are put into production starting from 1 August of the same year, but refer to the following year. So changes inherent to MY 1956 are already available on the cars produced in August 1955. The Oval Window continued on its way until 1958. In that year, Volkswagen technicians turned to Battista Farina, founder of Pininfarina to renew the Beetle, who entrusts the task of reviewing the car to his son Sergio. The engineer studied the car thoroughly and then asked Volkswagen technicians: "It's perfect like that, why do you want to change it?". Sergio Farina will only advise to expand the characteristic oval rear window to improve visibility, taking a first, so to speak, "modern" shape.
The car
The Beetle with chassis no. 1-1000567, of the type called "Oval Window", in the De Luxe version, was produced in September 1955 and from the factory numbers the engine seems to be not only the correct one, but also the original one and matching numbers, being consistent with dates. The car has been restored and is in perfect condition, with the body painted in the original color (L-313) "Schilfgrün"/Reed green, and the preserved interior in green leatherette (P 128) which has an elegant contrast in the ivory-colored steering wheel and knobs; interior are with traces of time, but in excellent condition. The black folding top is new. It has both the original wand arrows and lights updated to code, but not aesthetically invasive. Mechanics restored, with 1200 cc engine. An optional Blaupunkt car radio of the era is fitted.
State of the art
Restored, excellent condition; preserved interior.
Documents
Italian registration and plates.
Elegibility
Mille Miglia.
Giro di Sicilia.
Targa Florio.
Goodwood Revival.
Rallye Monte-Carlo Historic.
Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti.
Coppa delle Alpi by 1000 Miglia.
Winter Marathon.
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
