Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
20th September, 2023 10:00
1955 Volkswagen Beetle 'Oval Window'
Estimate
£30, 000 - £34, 000
Registration No: 317 UXU
Chassis No: 1-0812041
MOT: Exempt
A truly exceptional 'Oval Window' example
The subject of extensive restoration works by marque specialists Flatlands Engineering (2016) and The Wonky Donkey Emporium (2022)
Stunning in Stratos Silver with Slate Blue cloth upholstery
The Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 switched from a ‘Split’ to a ‘Single-Piece’ Oval rear windscreen in late 1952 / early 1953. The following year saw its air-cooled flat-four engine enlarged from 1131cc to 1192cc gaining some twenty percent more power in the process (30bhp vs 36bhp). The model’s distinctive ‘Heart’ shaped rear lights and semaphore indicators were phased out during 1955, while a cheaper to produce rectangular rear windscreen was introduced for 1958. Although, the Type 1 was global success story with over 21, 500, 000 produced, very few survivors can boast a ‘Single-Piece’ Oval rear windscreen, 1192cc engine and semaphores etc.
According to a letter on file from Volkswagen, chassis 1-0812041 was manufactured on 13th February 1955. Reputedly supplied new to Sweden, the Beetle is understood to have belonged to H. H. Andersson of Linköping from 1985 until 2006 when it was imported to the UK. Apparently treated to an extensive ‘body off’ restoration by marque specialist Flatlands Engineering of Norfolk a decade later, the Type 1 features such niceties as a ‘Happich’ dash grab handle, new old stock heat exchangers, semaphore indicators and ‘Heart’ taillights. Acquired by its last registered keeper seven years ago, ‘317 UXU’ was entrusted to Porsche and Volkswagen specialist The Wonky Donkey Emporium in 2022 for some £16, 445. 07 worth of further fettling including an interior re-trim (using materials sourced from VW’s original period supplier) and even dispatching the distributor to a trusted firm in America for overhaul. Indeed, the vendor estimates that circa £50, 000 has been lavished on the saloon since it arrived on these shores (though, not all the corroborating invoices have survived). An absolute jewel of a car, ‘317 UXU’ rewards close inspection. Although not cheap we believe that sourcing a similar ‘Oval Window’ and having it refurbished to this standard would cost considerably more today. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, period instruction manual and history file.
