1952 VW Beetle Split Rear Window - Seriously Rare

For sale a fantastic piece of motorvehicle history.
A serious. once in a life time chance to own an almost perfect. factory original example.
The ultimate finishing touch to your collection.

March 1952 Split Rear window Beetle
Very Original. virtually un-restored.

For sale is a March 1952 Split rear window Beetle. Finished in Azure blue which is more or less original factory paint.

The car has never been welded and contains many of its original factory features. The clutch cable was changed 12 months ago and the one that was removed still had its factory part number paper slip attached. Structurally. the chassis is perfect and there is no rot or rust to any panels. The spare wheel well is perfect. the bumper mounts are perfect. the bottom edge of the bonnet is perfect. the rear original 'H' valence without exhaust cut-out is also perfect - these are the usual rot spots. and the car is completely free from rot or rust.

The original chrome bright-work is in perfect condition - original chrome hubcaps (not repro ones). the original grooved body trim (the bonnet trim has a kink in it part way down. but again has been left rather than taking away from its originality). Correct grooved chrome bumpers. It has the original grooved semaphores too.

Originally imported from Sweden - the car still has its original Swedish dealer badges on the front quarter panels.

Externally. the paint is not perfect. but then again. most of it is original factory paint - the bonnet and crotch-coolers have been painted at some point in its past as the colour match is not 100% accurate - but its been left like that rather than re-spraying it to a shiney false finish.

Internally the car benefitted from a complete re-trim in 1999. It was re-trimmed with the original style cloth that was available from Himmel Service in Germany. The exact cloth used along with the exact stitching pattern has created a perfect interior. The original seats were un-picked so the exact folds in the cloth and stitching patterns could be re-created exactly as the factory did it in 1952. The cloth headliner was also replaced. The door cards were all replaced and again used the original cloth so it is perfectly accurate inside. It still has the original rubber floor mats. The original bat-wing steering wheel is in good condition. it has its original pedals including the correct roller-accelerator pedal. All the buttons and switches on the dash are original and all work. It needs the interior light re-connecting but that is the only non-working part on the car.

All the instruments work - the clock keeps good time and the odometer works reading only 52. 32 kilometers. Given the condition of the car and its many original un-restored features. this reading is likely to be fairly accurate. As far as I know it was stored for many many years in Sweden before being brought to the UK. I have its original Swedish number plate and a small amount of paperwork with it.

Electrically - all lights work - the correct GLASS tail lights. the correct logo headlights. etc. The wiring is 90% original factory wiring. It has additional small indicator flashers fitted above the bumpers but no permanent changes were made to accommodate these - no holes drilled and nothing fitted that could not be easily removed. For safer use in modern traffic. these indicators are more visible than the semaphores. It is all still 6v electrics. Its had a new starter motor in the last 2 years. a new clutch 12 months ago.

All the window seals were replaced with correct grooved ones - the front window has the deluxe trim. the others do not - this is correct for early 1952 models with crotch-coolers.

Maintenance wise - it has been fully serviced regularly and has had all the cables changed. the brakes replaced - new wheel cylinders all round. New Avon Tourist cross-ply tyres were fitted approx 5 years ago and have not done 4000 miles yet. WEGU 16" white-walls are also fitted to the wheels. The wheels are the original 16" ones and are in perfect condition. The spare is also the original matching one.

It drives beautifully and has its original full crash gearbox. It has been on several trips to Germany and has been completely reliable.

The car is ONLY being sold because the owner has acquired one of the rarest restoration projects in the world. The split beetle was never going to be sold but the chance to restore one of the rarest classic cars ever built is not an opportunity to be turned down so very very reluctantly. the split beetle is for sale.

HOWEVER - the car is not being sold to just anyone. The new owner must agree to keep the car original - it is not being sold to anyone who wants to customise. lower the suspension. upgrade the engine or mess with it in any way whatsoever. Arrogant? Yes. A piece of VW motoring history is up for sale and too many of these cars have been trashed and messed with beyond salvage.

Finding a split rear window beetle for sale is a rare enough event - finding one so original and virtually un-restored is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It has been owned and enjoyed for over 14 years. Its now time for someone else to manage its place in history. A time for a new owner to add his or her imprint in this historic vehicle. Its time for new adventures and for someone else to explore the world in what is simply a marvelous and fun car.

Delivery can be arranged anywhere in UK (at buyers' expense). Also able to arrange overseas shipping and completion of export paperwork and documents (again at buyers' expense).

SERIOUSLY:
NO Part exchange
Viewing strictly by prior appointment
Offers considered VERY close to the asking price
PLEASE - no time wasters. Any tyre kickers will be kicked themselves (I'm not kidding!).
PLEASE - no dealers trying a quick sell for cash. It won't happen.
Advertised elsewhere so reserve right to remove from eBay if sold elsehwere.