1956 Oval Beetle Karmann Kabriolet or Convertible

Built in December 1955 this convertible Oval Beetle was delivered to Germany where it spent the first 10 years of its life. It was imported to the UK in May 1966 and has been here ever since. I am the fourth UK owner. Originally Inca Red it has had two or three re-sprays. the latest probably 25 years ago which is similar to Inca Red. possibly more metallic. You can still see the original colour behind the door cards and in the back of the semaphore pockets. At some point. thought to be whilst it was still in Germany. the semaphores were leaded over. I've done a bit of archaeology and uncovered them; the lenses melted during the initial leading process and the outer arms have since dissolved but the main chassis and solenoid have survived very well. The car comes with these parts as well as a pair of repro oval vert lenses (the correct orange ones). I am currently working on getting the outer arms reproduced.

At some point. probably the same time as the semaphores were leaded in. the front clip was replaced with a 58-64 one. At the time of the latest re-spray in the 80s the wings. bonnet and engine lid were replaced with NOS items. the engine lid being correct for an Oval Kabriolet. All these panels are still solid – a testament to using genuine VW parts. At the same time the headlights and door handles were also replaced with NOS parts and again have stood the test of time well.

The interior is the original and is in pretty good condition. the stitching is going on the seats – my intention had been to have the stitching re-done. There is one tear in the side of the passenger seat and I have some og material to use for any repairs that may be needed including a couple of seat bases. The headliner is also the original and I believe the padding is too. The outer hood was replaced with vinyl in 1970 and is now showing its age. The worst part is the rear left side which will need some attention. I have a spare roll of the trim to replace the bit on the front which has seen better days.

The engine is a good 30 horse motor and I have had all the tin ware powder coated and the manifold re-done in high temp paint. It is running 12v including a 356 12v generator. The gearbox is a later full syncro box well matched to the engine – it drives very nicely.

I have had all the locks matched – driver's door. front hood lock and engine lid lock. There is a Neiman's steering lock fitted which is a cool accessory and the glove box lock has an original P code key.

There has been a fair amount of welding underneath – after all this effectively a UK car having been here for 47 years and never been off the road. The main downside to this is thatplates have been welded over the chassis to body bolts. I like to call it an Anglicised car after all this time in the UK. It is taxed and MOT'd for a year although technically it no longer needs an MOT.

It comes with a couple of ringer binders of history from 1966 to 1984 and a few bits of more recent history. There is also a repro interior light. a clear needle 80mph speedo and a spare set of windows and frames which I had intended to re-chrome or use as is to replace the ones on the car which are a bit tatty.
The brakes are freshly refurbished 58-64 brakes with new cylinders throughout. new shoes. hardware and rear brake drums.

The rear valance is removable which I have found extremely useful
The front bumper is a re-chromed original and the rear a very nice original.
The price is £13. 00 ono
If you have any questions. please ask.

Cheers.
Dave

Payment by bank transfer preferred please.

More photos are available here:
http://s216. photobucket. com/user/bally67/slideshow/56%20vert%20for%20sale

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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