1956 Volkswagen Type 1 'Beetle'

Registration No: Unregistered
Chassis No: 1123455
MOT: Exempt

• Delivered new to New Zealand in 1956
• Single family ownership from new untill acquired by the current vendor in 2006
• Engine replaced in 1957 with a 1490cc unit. Originally 1192cc

Along with the Ford Model T, Citroen 2CV and BMC Austin/Morris Mini, the Volkswagen Beetle is generally recognised as being one of the elite pack of pop motoring icons. Its story is like no other. Sixty-six years of production, over 21 million examples manufactured, factories on five continents, etc. The statistics are as staggering as the car's history. In 1933, Ferdinand Porsche was instructed to design and develop a 'Volkswagen' (People's Car) that was basic, affordable, and capable of transporting two adults and three children at up to 100kmh. The newcomer finally went into production in 1938 and, while it inevitably evolved over the years, the basic concept was never altered - an enduring tribute to the genius of Dr. Porsche.

Presented in its original Green paintwork complemented by the original Tan interior, the car offered here was delivered new to the O’Brien family in New Zealand in 1956. The O’Briens kept the car until 2006 when it passed into the ownership of the current vendor. In 1967 the original 1192cc engine was replaced by a more powerful 1490cc. With the odometer showing just 81,204 unwarranted kilometres (50,458 miles) the vendor has described the paint, bodywork, interior, engine and transmission as being ‘Very Good’. Excitingly, the rare, original and complete(!) spare wheel-mounted Hazet toolkit is still with the car. The entire brake system, including all brake cylinders, linings and hoses was replaced in June 2022.

This Volkswagen comes with its original New Zealand registration document from 1956, as well as a modern New Zealand registration showing the current vendor’s ownership. The vendor will have the car UK-registered with all duties paid before the sale.

For more information, please contact:
Julian Pinkster
julian.pinkster@handh.co.uk
07889 223 904