1952 VW Beetle Deluxe Sedan For Sale
The split window era cars are highly prized among the VW world and there is little reason why.
This was the Beetle at its purest form, as close to the original design as possible.
This sweet 1952 model is located in the state of California currently in the hands of an avid collector.
Prior to that it was in the state of Pennsylvania with another passionate VW enthusiast.
He purchased the car some time ago from another serious VW nut in Iowa, Mike Wolfe of American Pickers fame.
Mike had found out about the car years ago and kept checking on it again and again and eventually was able to make the buy.
The owner before him was a US serviceman that had found the car in Germany while stationed there in the 1970's
He brought it to the US in 1976 and it remained with him, in storage for decades.
The car remains surprisingly original with very few updates or changes made during its life.
The exterior appears to have been repainted once over the original pastel green finish.
The production date of the car is January of 1952 and the body and chassis match and have never been apart.
Original chassis number
The car being a 52 model has the very desirable "crotch cooler" air vents in the front quarter panels.
The car has a great bit of original detail to it and has the vibe of a true survivor.
The glass has the original logos , even the windshield which is extremely uncommon.
The window rubbers have dried up from age and the whole car has a pleasing mild patina to it.
The side windows are the correct glass with the curved vent along the edge.
Solid logo hood emblem.
Proper ribbed semaphore turn signals.
The interior is all original and un-restored.
Paint on the dash and door jams is the original finish, the seats retain the worn original upholstery.
While obviously showing wear and deterioration, there is something very attractive about
seeing it in this condition. The smell is pure heaven and it seems like an artifact on display at the Smithsonian or something.
The electrical all works well on the car and it is fully operational and is a great driver.
Correct set of like new, completely rebuilt German ribbed semaphores from Matt's Bug Shop in Canada (semaphore expert).
Taillights have been upgraded to dual filament bulb holders, so in addition to the pope's nose brake light (which is functional as well),
you've also got brake and tails in the fender mounted lights, as well as rear turn signals should you prefer using those over the semaphores.
Safety wise it's about as good as it gets short of adding unsightly auxiliary lights
At some point in its past the original engine gave up the ghost and a 36hp powerplant
was installed. It still remains 6 volt electrics and retains a very clean vintage appearance.
Its a fantastic driver and anyone that has lived with the stock 25 horse units that these came with will
agree that the extra 11hp is well needed. It is equipped with a later split case gearbox.
(Non syncro first but not a full crashbox) Yes, technically not correct or numbers matching but makes for a much more enjoyable driving experience.
This car is very well sorted mechanically. In addition to a recent brake job including fresh brake hoses,
wheel cylinders, shoes, master, car also has a fresh set of Firestone 5..60-15 bias plys from Coker
The color is fantastic, probably one of my favorites for the era.
The paint shows a little age here and there but still holds a shine.
Its a respectable machine even with some worn little edges.
Proper bump over the windshield...this is a factory stamping.
Ive seen more than a few "restorers" flatten this out as they think its not correct!
Underneath the factory floor pans remain intact and are quite solid.
Brakes have all been done while the rest remains original and undisturbed.
There are a couple of small spots of rust in the body, but nothing terminal.
A little break through in the spare tire well area where water tends to collect.
The body looks like it has never been hit, the spare tire well is wonderfully straight.
Same for the rear apron as well.
Passenger side rear quarter panel looks solid.
There is an area at the door edge with some cracking in the paint.
Front fenders are the originals to the car which is a major plus on an early car like this.
Looks good in here
The car has all the correct controls and details which are ever so important for an early example.
Fantastic steering lock is fitted.
The original carpets are gone but a nice set of coco mats are fitted to the front floors.
The bumpers are excellent and the remains of an original parts sticker
leads me to believe that this was an NOS item that was installed at some point long ago.
Original seat upholstery and headliner is holding in there impressively well.
Some water staining on the material, but it is all here and could be kept as is or used for patters for a restoration.
Car was sold new at Hahn VW/Porsche in Stuttgart. Comes with some amazing documentation and even the original
"Kraftfahrzeugbrief" registration booklet which lists all owners the car had while in Germany from new.
I love seeing the documentation like this...it is such a rarity to find these days especially with an early car.
The "birth certificate" from Volkswagen is also a wonderful bit of documentation to have.
So many of these cars have been assembled from parts and rebuilt from rusty wrecks.
This one is a good solid honest car that has always been a good solid honest car.
The American Pickers history is fun...while it was never featured on the TV show
I do think it is cool to know that when he is not on camera, he is still hunting down cool old stuff.
The car was sold new at Hahn VW in Stuttgart Germany, the home of Porsche.
If I had a time machine I would love to travel back to the streets of Stuttgart in the early 50's.
The most notable spot of rust on the car is at the base of the front "firewall" where it meats the chassis.
Fortunately this is an area that is pretty well hidden under the car, so a repair would go undetected
and could be done without messing with the exterior paint if you wanted to retain the patina.
The luggage rails are in place out back, both on the deck and on the seat back.
Correct aluminum hood handle and Wolfsburg crest.
I love the US Forces in Germany plate as well...a neat accessory.
While the car was bought in Germany by a US Serviceman...it was done much later than 1952.
I personally like the originality and the feel to the car just as it is, but I can also respect the desire to restore it.
It would be an amazing base car to start with, so straight and so complete.
The values of the split Beetles are climbing rapidly these days...even keeping it as it is would be a good investment.
Another upgraded detail on the car was the swap to a 15" wheel at some point versus the original 16".
Headlights are correct originals
There is a little rust along the edge of the carpet holding strip in the door jam...it has been cleaned , treated and painted to keep it from getting worse
but the spot would requite a little work during a full resto.
In closing this is a very good honest car.
It has a neat history, wonderful documentation and it is a turn key driver
just as it sits. Never hit, never blown apart or hot rodded, nice original vibe to it.
I really dig it. It is located in San Diego California and can be seen by appointment only
SOLD!
For More Info...CALL
951 795 1175
or email oldbug@earthlink.net