1956 VW Beetle Convertible For Sale

The things that make this car special in comparison to the 58 and up models
are the rear engine lid and the dashboard. The 53-57 cars, referred to as the Oval Window era cars
had unique design attributes that make them stand out a bit in the range of Beetle production.

This particular car emerged from a long term hibernation here in Southern California about two years ago.
Its been stored in a local garage for years, last being registered for road use in 1988.
It has been revived and detailed and brought back to a presentable status by a long time VW nut
in the So Cal area and is now in the hands of a collector in South Lake Tahoe who is offering it for sale here.

The car was restored back in the early 80's and it was done to a standard that was pretty common
at the time. Its not a correct color, there are a few incorrect replacement parts and the overall
quality is pretty basic. At the time the car didnt have the extreme value it does today, so it's understandable.

It still shows well though, has a clean appearance to it and it runs and drives pretty nice.
There are a few chips and scratches and a couple of small dings from garage storage.
The drivers side door latch doesnt seem to catch all the way (I think the striker plate is worn)
but overall the body is pretty straight and the paint still holds a good shine.

Here's an example of the sort of thing you will find in spots on the car...just little chips and such.

The correct louvered "W" decklid is one of the most important parts for these early convertibles.
These are very pricy to buy these days, but fortunately this one is still with the car.


The car currently is registered s.
Clean title in the current owner's name.
(these blue plates are now not with the car)
Car is located in the Reno-Lake Tahoe area.

Small ding in the decklid right on the high spot.

Nice and clean in the engine compartment.
Decklid has the proper rain tray underneath too of course.
Decklid spring it not hooked up so you have to hold the lid up.
Correct rear apron.

Engine is a 40 horse (1200cc) from a slightly newer model.
12 volt electrics, Bosch 009 distributor.
Runs nice, trans and clutch seem fine, brakes and steering too.
Its been driven sparingly, but the owner goes out and starts it now and then to keep things lubricated.


Pretty straight down the sides.

I love this view...
Nothing like that big open top and the Oval window dash!

Correct steering wheel with Wolfsburg crest horn button.

Proper clear needle speedometer.
Unsure what the actual mileage on the car is.

Early Bendix Sapphire I radio with the angled buttons.
This is correct for the car.
Looks like the dash has been clearanced slightly for a bigger radio at one time.

Chrome around the ashtray has been painted, a few paint chips
under the glove box door. Correct lock on the door and
the cool aluminum grab handle is also period correct.

Seats look nice, very good condition. And great color combination

Rear seat as well is nice and proper.


Headliner is vinyl, originally would be a mohair material.
Rear window is incorrect...from a 58 model (slightly larger)

Headliner is in fine shape.

Correct convertible only rear view mirror and visors are tough to find if you needed them...
fortunately these are here and are in good shape.

Carpet is synthetic loop rather than the original wool square weave, but in the 80's
this was acceptable stuff (restorers get pickier as time marches on)

Door panels are in decent shape as well.

Door sills are nice and solid.

Pretty clean.

With the blackwall tires the car looks so serious. Some whitewalls would sure give it some needed "flash"!

Top is vinyl, in a dark blue. Looks like it's in pretty nice shape.
Originally it would have been canvas I believe but the vinyl seems to hold up better outdoors.

The passenger side headlight lens is a little loose...so it kinda darkens that "eye" a little.
Bumpers are aftermarket replacements.

The front fenders have been changed as wrell.
Originally the turn signals would be down lower on the side of the fender, not on top like they are
(which would be correct for a 58-up model)


Clean under the hood.
Spare wheel rim is from a 66-67 model.

Correct pattern front apron.

Pretty clean in the spare tire well.

No signs of any heavy collision damage...perhaps just a slight bump to the bumper but nothing more.

Correct original "4 tab" hood.

No signs of any serious hammer work...not bad for a 50 year old car!

Wolfsburg crest hood emblem.

Glass and rubber is all good.

Another shot of the top.

Wheels are clean, tires are decent and the hubcaps are shiny...ready to roll.

OK...lets get down and dirty and look underneath the car.
Looks like the battery area of the floor pan has been patched up a bit.
Pretty common but I would sure like to see it done a little nicer.

Bottom edge of the support rails look a little weak.
This is very common on convertibles and replacement metal is readily available.
Either patch what's here or replace the support... it's not wildly crusty or anything but it is weak
and should at some point be attended to. Structurally the car is still sound.

Drivers side looks much better.

Here's abetter shot of the patch under the battery.
Pretty common stuff.

Fender well shots show the car to be pretty solid otherwise.

Bumper support areas are sound.

Front fender well shot behind the drivers side front wheel..

Up front is nice and straight.

Back up to the shiny side the car shows lots of promise.
Excellent restoration basis or just cruise it as it is.


In the end I like the car. Its far from perfect but it's a good start.
For the money it's a good buy as well. Ive seen basket case projects selling for around $12K or more
so this one at the asking price gives you quite a bit for the money.
And if you restore it back to original condition the value continues to climb.
This is one of those cars to grab and stash away for a while...10 years from now, who knows what the market will bear?
SOLD!