Here is a rare one for you! This May of 1955 production convertible was built specifically for the US
market and features many details that VW nuts would consider 1956 model year attributes
such as the US spec bumpers with over riders , bullet front turn signals and snowflake taillights
however these are all believed to be original to this car.
The car was restored in about 1995 and has traded hands through a few collectors
landing with its current owner in California about 4 years ago.
It remains in excellent running and driving condition a=but does show some age related paint issues.
Rare Kienzle glove box clock
Motorola "Big M" radio
Gravel guards
The two tone paint and accessories really make this a fun car that attracts a lot of attention.
The color combination is very pretty with its chocolate brown top over the tan interior
Cream and tan body colors are very unique
So cool!
Dash is clean and stock, correct bat wing steering wheel and correct convertible only mirror and visors.
Matching top boot
US spec headlights and bullet turn signals
Nice!
The snowflake taillights are on the birth certificate from VW as the
"large reflector" taillights!
Headliner looks great
Nice fit to the top
Doors are the proper 55 and earlier "ribbed" design.
Door panels are done in vinyl in a later pattern but the armrest is correct.
The paint on the front hood is aging and checking as you can see in this photo.
Albert mirrors are another nice accessory and they are originals with the logo.
Step on in and lets cruise!
This has been a relaible and very fun driver for its current owner over the past four years
and he has put about 5000 miles on it roughly during that time.
Some paint flaws around the clock...the car was painted in lacquer and is aging as such.
Correct 4 tab hood.
Correct early dome light is present.
Locking T handle is another option listed on the birth certificate.
Locking hood release, nice carpets with contrasting binding
Locking shifter base is another rare and desirable accessory.
Shot under the front hood...quite clean.
The chassis is extremely straight and solid
Rebuilt 36 horsepower engine is not the original block to the car but it was rebuilt back in 2016
by a known specialist and it runs fantastic with about 4000-5000 miles on it at most.
The underside is impressive!
Correct split case transmission, all the proper heat exchangers and details
Not a spec of rust under here!
The rear apron was replaced at the time of the restoration and it is of a later design.
The paint is also failing under the lid , but the seller has sourced the correct "H" pattern apron which
he will provide along with the sale of the car if desired.
Love those black California plates as well.
Show plaques are fitted to the fuel tank...she has been well driven and displayed!
Super straight in the spare tire well.
The biggest issue with the car is the aging paint.
It would not be too difficult or wildly expensive to do some basic touch up or just repaint the hood.
Or if you are a perfectionist you could always respray the whole car...but I personally would just enjoy it as it is.
So clean underneath
Sunset shot... do I take the Beetle or the Jet? Decisions, decisions...
Mega straight and solid in here!
In closing this is a great car.
The rarity factor is high being a US spec 55 with the options that it has and it is a well sorted fun
driver that is ready for continued playtime. Leave it as is or do some minor touch ups and repairs
the choice is yours. A fun car with good history and documentation, pretty tough to find!
Asking
$42,000 obo
For More Info...CALL
951 767 1600
or email oldbug@earthlink.net