1956 VW Chop Top Beetle Custom For Sale
Some custom cars just have a "presence" to them when they roll up that just
makes you stop and stare. This 56 Oval did just that when we met up for photos.
Not only does the car have a presence , but its owner as well is someone that is a well
known and well loved part of the Southern California VW scene to the point where some folks use the term "legend"
while speaking about him. He's a humble man that would scoff at the thought I am sure, but
Frankie Freeman and his San Bernardino VW shop German Autohaus have certainly left
a very positive mark on the Southern California VW scene.
While the shop has long since closed its doors, it is still known worldwide.
The old German Autohaus single cab truck is now a part of the VW Museum
in Wolfsburg! Frankie was a Meyers Manx dealer, also sold Okrasa and other early speed parts
and was well known and respected among all the founding fathers of the custom VW scene.
He is still sharp and bright and full of amazing stories and is "somewhere" in the 80's range as far as age.
Truly a wonderful many to meet and speak with.
And this sweet Oval window is his machine.
The car has been with him for many many years and even left him at one point to a new owner
only to have it return to him again. The build was started many years ago and took decades to get to
the finished point that you see here. The car has been driven and enjoyed but has remained well kept.
Its not fresh, but it is very respectable, and the overall vibe and feeling of the car is pretty awesome.
The chopped top was done way back in the 70's by Duke Gosney
the paint and body was done in the late 80's by Ray Oyer, and the interior was done in the early 90's
by Rich Spencer. The car at one point rolled on original two piece Empi 5 spoke wheels
but the BRM wheels have been on the car for quite a while now and they sure look awesome.
Despite the long ownership over many many years, the car has only racked up 2248 miles since completion.
Lots of short hops around town, some spells of it sitting in storage.
Always kept out of the elements.
The chop has a great flow to it and the seams were done with lead, not plastic filler.
The forward leaning B pillar is a very unique and cool design treatment.
Gives the car a neat forward motion to it.
The tires and window rubber need a good juicing up and the car could use a bit of a detail
to really be ready for the shows, our time was limited for the photos so we just went with it.
T bar bumpers, shaved trim, all so smooth and slick.
Underside of the hood
Very clean
Front apron and spare tire well look solid and straight
Original body tag still in place
Early large mouth fuel tank
Wiring is reasonably clean considering the level of instrumentation.
A nice wiring cover and maybe a carpet kit in the trunk would make things a little more show-worthy if desired.
The shaved hood handle makes for such a smooth look.
The BRM replica wheels are in excellent shape and peeking through the holes you can see the car is fitted with
Porsche 356 brakes with the large aluminum drums.
These early 356A brakes are a very cool upgrade.
Short axle transmission, KYB shocks
A bit of grime below, but you can see beneath it that things are solid and will clean up nice.
Pans are good and straight
OK...I know what you are thinking here, that looks like more than a couple thousand miles of grime.
Dusty conditions will cake it up quickly.
W deck lid and 39 Ford teardrop taillights
Year of manufacture plate is clipped on to the rear T bar.
The engine is a very well built 1915cc performance unit with
CB Performance cylinder heads, 14mm plugs, 44 Weber carbs, etc.
It runs out very nice.
A little detailing could be done in here I suppose.
But the car was never built to be a trailer queen, it was built to be a driver.
Frankie even put one of his stickers on the fan shroud.
If his mom recommends him, you know you are in good hands!
Rear apron is a replacement, not the original H pattern.
The interior is awesome in the car!
The three spoke standard model steering wheel is fantastic and the full
array of VDO "Night Design" gauges are a rare sight today
(long out of production)
Plush carpets and very cleanly done interior panels.
Custom headliner is amazing!
Deano DynoSoars plaque on the dash
Such a slick ride!
There are a couple of small flaws in the paint from years of use and settling.
Some small cracks on the forward edge of this window opening,
there are a couple paint chips near the engine lid, etc.
Amber bulbs in the headlights are wired as turn signals.
I lust love that evil look of a good chop top.
Doors are operated with remotes and are hinged at the back
Rear seat is done with a fold down center armrest
Door panels are very nicely trimmed
Toyota Tercel front seats have been reworked for an excellent fit.
Really nicely donw interior work under the dash.
This upholstery was done in about 1991 by Rich Spencer and it still looks great.
Chop em up is right!!
Check out those great interior lights and the fit of that headliner!
So cool!
And with those suicide doors, you can certainly make an entrance when you step out at the local cruise night!
Great car, awesome history, stellar owner and many unique touches.
This is a one of a kind car and opportunity.
Asking
$17,500 obo
For More Details...CALL
951 767 1600
or email oldbug@earthlink.net