Volkswagen Beetle Split Window 1951

About this Collectable

Volkswagen Beetle 1951 (Split window)

The Volkswagen Beetle is an icon that evokes instant recognition from everyone. Indeed, there are few cars with such a long history as the Beetle. Consequently, it is one of the most successful, longest-produced and most influential models in automotive history. As many as 21.5 million were produced. In Germany, over 15 million came off the assembly line, less than 2% of them as the so-called spectacled Beetle, which was later succeeded by the ‘little oval’. When it was designed by Ferdinand Porsche in 1937/1938, the Beetle had no rear window at all because you were looking to the front anyway..... To still honour the desire for rear visibility, the Beetle was made with the split rear window: the so-called spectacled Beetle or spar beetle. In Germany, the car was called the ‘Brezelkäfer’ because the windows were shaped like a pretzel.

The Spectacle Beetle is - apart from pre-war models - the oldest Beetle. As with almost all collector's items, the Spectacle Beetles have become true enthusiasts' old-timers. Production started just after the war and continued until 1953, when it was succeeded by the so-called oval beetle. The spectacled beetle reached a top speed of 100 km/h, and had a 25 HP 1100 cc engine (1131 cc). The old engine also had only 1 exhaust pipe, which later became 2 pipes The first Beetles also did not have hydraulic brakes. Like a bicycle, the brakes were operated by cables. The accelerator had a so-called roller and indicators came from the side pillar and were also called indicators. The Brilkever did not have a petrol gauge. Gauges were taken with a wooden stick, just like the Trabant had to until the 1970s. The Beetle was improved during its lifetime with hydraulic brakes and a synchronised gearbox. 
The air vents in the front wings actually only brought draughts. In Duitskland they were also called ‘Reumaklappe’ because they gave you stiff knees

Most Beetles did not survive. Often (s)r(t)eden to the end and ended up at the scrapyard. Few are in such good condition, as this 1951 Beetle offered by us. Delivered new in Germany. Paint, interior, hood, everything is very neat and very important, completely original. This ‘spectacle’ has never been welded and has only ever had a new layer of paint applied in the 1960s. All technical parts have been refreshed where necessary while maintaining originality. This is the type 11G and is still completely original with the matching engine and gearbox. The engine has been overhauled and the brakes, shock absorbers and tyres have recently been renewed. In short, a unique survivor like you will never really come across again.

Our opinion

This Bril Beetle is a picture and a rare original example of the very first Beetles. It is almost unimaginable that the car has remained in such good condition. A specimen to cherish and make sure it stays in this condition, unrestored and untouched.

About the seller

The seller has an out-of-control hobby and a large collection of Beetles. To make room for new projects, this Spectacled Beetle may be auctioned through The Collectables.

Equipment

This Brilkever is equipped with, among other things:
- Roller roof
- Ventilation valves

Modifications

As far as known, the car is completely original

Remarks

This Beetle is unrestored. Painted only once in the 60'r years and unwelded! The engine has recently been overhauled and suspension parts such as shock absorbers, brakes and tyres have been renewed.
The car can, if desired, be delivered on Dutch registration without additional cost.

Recent maintenance history

There is no maintenance history available. The car starts, steers, drives and brakes.

Included in the sale

Included in the sale of this Beetle are:

● keys

Summary

Seller - Business
Location - Limburg
Registration number - To be applied for
Chassis number - 261981
Year of construction - 1951 
Mileage - 9,173 kilometres
Proven - No 5-digit counter
Warranty - No
Margin/VAT - Margin
Bodywork - 2-door
Engine - 1131cc, 24.5 hp
Drive system - Rear-wheel drive
Transmission - Manual
Exterior - Off-white 
Interior - Light grey 
Upholstery - Fabric
Smoking car - Unknown
Ownership - Unknown
Tyres - Heidenau 5.00-16, >6mm

The description of this Collectable has been compiled with the utmost care, based on information provided by and validated by the seller. The Collectables performs a (pre)selection based on the information provided and consults public sources for any irregularities. However, bidders should ascertain for themselves the accuracy of the description and can, if they wish, conduct (or have conducted) personal research. All Collectables on our platform can be subjected to any possible inspection, examination or valuation in advance by buyers, in consultation with the seller, of course. Consult our General Terms and Conditions for more details.

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