1953 VW Beetle Sedan For Sale
1953 was a year of change for the VW Beetle.
While the year of production started with split windows rolling off the line,
in March of 1953 the Oval era officially started.
This is a June of 1953 production car that was originally shipped to
Competition Motors in Hollywood California
(The same dealership that sold James Dean his fateful 55 Spyder Porsche)
The car has received a full restoration and is currently located in beautiful North Carolina
The restorer did a fine job of trying to chase and maintain all the correct "early Oval" details,
some of which were used for just a small period of production.
The "heart" taillights were introduced in October of 1952
and remained in use on Beetles destined for the US until 1954.
In 1955, the Beetles for the US received a modified version of this light shape
with a domed lens and no heart shaped brake light on top.
In 1956 the taillight shape and design changed significantly and was also
placed much higher on the fender.
The single tip muffler and the smooth blade bumpers with short guards are correct for this car.
Large logo glass is also a correct detail for this era of production
Many consider the Oval era the most beautiful of the Beetles.
The early Ovals especially.
This car has the early style "grooved" semaphore turn signals in the B pillar.
The vent wing window was something introduced to the Beetle in October of 1952
Great color combination on this car by the way!
Here is another 1953 detail...note the ashtray without a chrome ring around it as seen in
the 1954 to 1957 Beetles.
Correct early "wire" style wiper arms
The hood is also the correct "4 tab" hood without the raised stamping under the VW logo at the top of the trim
Underneath this car is quite clean and solid
Floorpans are good
Chassis number matches the body and the birth certificate from Volkswagen
This was produced on June 3rd 1953 and left the factory on June 6th aiming for Hollywood!
Still 6 volt electrics with the proper battery cover and strap.
Proper rubber mats and oatmeal carpets
Under dash cigar lighter is a period accessory
Interior is beautifully done!
A few more underside shots
Headliner is done in a tweed material that looks sharp, but is technically incorrect as
originally it was done in mohair. The tweed is far more durable really, but the purists may scoff.
One odd detail with this car is that it appears that the windshield is the larger 58-64 size glass.
Beautiful
Proper "bat wind" steering wheel.
The horn button has some age and damage and the radio has not been installed.
The speedometer has been restored and the car still has its correct push button starter
The engine in the car was rebuilt by "Mr Okrasa" Joe Ruiz in California
and it is a June of 1953 block, however not the original to the car.
Correct era strap top air cleaner
This is a truly top level rebuild by some of the best hands for these early cars.
It runs superb!
"H" apron
Really a pretty car and I love the color combo...which is the correct and original one for this car
as documented on the birth certificate.
Very pretty
Radial tires on the original 15" two tone wheels
Sealed beam headlights
Proper 4 tab hood
New wiring harness
Some roughness to the finish in the spare tire well
Obviously some light distortion and signs of repair here
All numbers match between body and chassis.
This cool Blaupunkt radio is included with the sale
Wide mouth fuel tank has a bit of custom pinstriping
Matching spare
The larger 58-64 windshield is the one thing that stands out as being a little off
but the car really shows so well inside and out it is not something that I even caught the first time through the photos.
Its a sharp car for sure.
Its not flawless obviously and there are a few details that could be done to
really take it to the next level, but these early 50's cars are getting pretty hard to find.
Plain and simple, pure and clean.
Asking
$45,000 obo
For More Info...CALL
951 795-1175
or email oldbug@earthlink.net