Highlights

Rare and highly desirable 'Oval' window model
Original components preserved wherever possible
Second respray with original paint still intact inside the cabin
Exceedingly original interior, beautifully preserved
Comes from private VW Museum exposition in Sweden where it spent last 8 years
Polish paperwork
It has been imported to Poland in 2025 by a classic car collector and dealer

The Appeal

Here's a treat for air-cooled VW fans.

The early years of Volkswagen's Type 1 'Beetle' are characterised by the evolution of the rear window; starting life as two separate panes ('Split Window'), later becoming a single ('Oval'), and finally growing to become the large window that would endure the remainder of production.

Here we have one of those coveted 'Oval' Beetles, which were produced between 1953 and 1957. This 1956 example is incredibly original for its age. Any salvageable factory features have been carefully preserved and the engine works very smooth and strong, clutch is new ensuring it's ready to enjoy

The vendor says:

"The Oval is more than just a Beetle. Its rich history, the influence of Ferdinand Porsche, and its connection to Tatra engineering make it a truly special model. Early Volkswagens are most desirable when preserved in their original condition, and this example is a testament to that philosophy."

The History and Paperwork

1956 model year
14,878 km indicated
Polish paperwork
First owner from 1956 - 1999
Left-hand drive European market model
Imported in 2025 to Poland by polish classic car collector and dealer
Now is registered in Poland
It comes from a Swedish private VW museum where it was standing from April 2017

The Condition

Paintwork has undergone a second respray in the original colour; the original paint is still intact inside the cabin and matches well
Straight and solid-looking bodywork with well-fitting doors, bonnet and deck lid
The chrome trim presents well with a gentle patina
Some small paint blemishes apparent in the photographs, but nothing especially noteworthy
Small chip on the windscreen, highlighted in the photographs
Exceedingly well-preserved original interior
The upholstery and carpets present very well with moderate age-commensurate wear
Smart instrumenetation and controls

The Mechanics

1.2-litre (1,192cc) single-port, air-cooled flat-four
Four-speed manual gearbox
Minor oil leaks present
The engine runs very smooth and silent, there are however no papers confirming any rebuilt
There is also a new set of clutch fitted now
Reverse gear occasionally slips out and needs to be held in place
The vendor informs us that the Volkswagen runs and drives very well indeed
All presents well inside the engine bay
It was in hands of a first (Swedish) owner from 1956 til 1999. After that in hands of 2 collectors and from April 2017 in a private Swedish VW Museum.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.