Description
Vehicle is being advertised for sale for the first time since it has been part of my collection. I have owned the vehicle for around 20 years and during this time it has undergone a full engine rebuild by a specialist in London. This was done using sourced NOS and OEM parts that I have secured over the time of ownership from places such as Hessisch, Bad Camberg, Hershey, Stanford Hall and many more. The engine is absolutely a dream to drive, the rebuilt engine has covered around 350 miles since being rebuilt, the car performs admirably well on its 15" cross ply tyres which is what it came out the factory with. I do also have the optional extra 16" wheels which I can sell separately if required.
The car also has had a full renovation, not to be concourse but more in line with its honesty as a usable classic whilst still retaining its originality and integrity. The great thing here is we have a car that is already close, but can be if chosen by the next owner taken to a more concourse condition as the car has all the correct and rare features to be judged upon.
The car retains all its original panels, floor and matching engine and as this is a true numbers matching it really is a survivor. I believe the pictures show how beautiful it truly is.
What we have, is a 1952 De Luxe Beetle with crotch coolers that was sold into the Portuguese market in January 1952.
The original factory colour of the car was brown, but was changed by the first owner back in the 50's to the white colour you see. I had the opportunity to have the car repainted back to brown, but the reality is the car has been white for nearly 70 years and there is something innocent in the colour staying this way. The reason for the change of colour by the original owner, plus some other basic alterations made to the headlights, rear lights and popes nose was simply down to improved safety and visibility on the road, when driving in the mountains of the Algarve where it lived. Modifications was more common than you would think for either practicality or aesthetic purposes but I am glad to say that during my 20 year ownership and seeking out the parts, that I have corrected these alterations with true NOS original parts.
I have been personally in and around Volkswagens for 45 years and owned many that have gone on to win Volksworld Top 3, Stanford Hall concourse, Stonor Park and many others with previous vehicles in my collection and ownership. Over time, and due to my age I have naturally wound down the collection with the beetle you see here being the very last to be sold. The simple reason, is when you have seen and owned most cars like I have, it takes something extra special to stay for the duration. To me, this car has it all. Soul, beauty, honesty and rarity.
I am more than happy to have an in depth conversation to serious buyers/ interest only as I feel viewing and conversation is far more beneficial with a vehicle like this.
