Of all the collector cars, one of the easiest and most fun to own, especially for a first-time classic car buyer, is an early Volkswagen Beetle. Service and repair are easy, and the Beetle is a classic that you can viably use for day-to-day driving.
Over the past few years, Beetles have become more expensive, with the earliest ones being the most valuable. Following the first post-war split-rear-window models in value are the oval-rear-window cars of 1953-57, which included advancements to the simple original design that made them better cars overall.
The Pick of the Day is an early oval-window 1954 Volkswagen Beetle that the Chatsworth, California, seller describes as a Southern California car that has been completely restored.
The VW is a matching-numbers car that has been restored to factory specifications, including the desirable roll-back cloth sunroof (which VW fans designate as a ragtop), and finished in Stratus Silver, according to the dealer advertising the Beetle on ClassicCars.com.
As such, the car packs an opposed-four, air-cooled 1200 engine that generates 36 horsepower, not a lot but a marked improvement over earlier VWs.
The car features all-original sheet metal, a rarity for old Beetles, with the correct convex-egg taillights, semaphore turn signals, ribbed venders, five-bolt hood and correct single-tip tailpipe. The car looks beautiful in the photos accompanying the ad and includes its vintage California license plates.
The restored interior contains the correct steering wheel, lighted ashtray and Motorola Big M radio.
Early VW Beetles in this condition are a rarity and very sought after, and this one is priced accordingly at $34,900. The popular collector car icon, which would be welcome to just about any classic car show or rally, is almost certain to increase in value.
Since these simple cars are almost as much fun to work on as they are to drive, the new owner should grab a copy of John Muir’s superb service guide, How To Keep Your Volkswagen Alive, and enjoy this enduring classic for all it’s worth.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day
that is a beautiful car
Some early 54 ovals had a short lived 30 horse motor and then went to a 36 horse the same model year..