1953 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CABRIOLET

KEY FACTS

• A fully restored example of a rare Karmann-built 'Kabriolett', in exceptional condition following comprehensive restoration.
• It is powered by an air-cooled 1131cc flat-four, driving the rear wheels through the original four-speed manual transmission.
• One of only 16 cars finished in L55 code Maroon, which was the original factory colour
• Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from the Stiftung AutoMuseum Volkswagen.

EQUIPMENT AND OPTIONS

• The chassis and gearbox are original, and the engine is a period-correct replacement of the same capacity (1131cc) which was built as an industrial motor.
• It is presented in the original factory colour scheme, and with the correct seat design in the cabin.
• The car’s original chassis plate is mounted behind the spare wheel in the front luggage compartment.
• A tonneau cover for the roof when folded down is also included, and was made to match the roof when the vehicle was restored. A spare wheel is housed in the front luggage compartment.
• The car comes with a large quantity of paperwork from the restoration, including bills for the interior and numerous parts. As well as the Certificate of Authenticity, the original destination certificate is also present.

CONDITION

• The bodywork presents in excellent condition, with any minor damage or corrosion removed and repaired with new components during the body-off restoration.
• The car retains the original style tail lights and louvered engine lid.
• The rear bumper has some signs of wear, with slight corrosion and minor impact damage.
• Its paintwork was refinished in the correct L55-code Maroon, and has a deep and glossy shine all around the car.
• The chrome-work is in excellent condition, around the headlights, the centre strip and the twin air intakes at the bottom of the front wings. The front luggage compartment handle shows some signs of wear and general pitting, commensurate with age.
• Underneath, the car is as would be expected for one that has received a complete restoration. There is some evidence of slight corrosion but nothing that would affect the structure, and some surface rust on the mild steel exhaust system.
• In the cabin, the seats use the original frames, but they have been completely rebuilt and re-trimmed in beige leatherette with contrast piping, and the mechanisms work correctly.
• The carpet is brand new and shows no wear, and the door panel trims have also been replaced and re-trimmed to match the seat upholstery.
• Its Bakelite-style door furniture fixtures are in good condition, and the steering wheel is original but refurbished.
• The metal dashboard panel has been painted to match the rest of the car, in L55 Maroon and the speedometer is the original item, though the owner cannot warrant the indicated 6,117 km reading. The car is supplied with what appears to be the original radio, connected to the dashboard-mounted speaker.
• The roof outer material and the headlining are both new, and the owner states that the roof mechanism operates perfectly and seals well against wind and water.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical faults.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The most recent service was in March 2019 at an indicated 5,980 km, carried out by Chris Antoniades services. This was a general service, with fresh engine oil, filter change, and brakes checked. The drive belt was also replaced during this visit, and the vendor has had new tyres fitted during his ownership.
• The replacement ‘industrial’ 1131cc engine is identical in specification to the original motor, fed by a single carburettor, and has been completely rebuilt. The transmission is the original first-generation ‘split-case’ four-speed manual transaxle.
• The owner states that the engine starts and runs evenly with no smoke apparent and performs as it should, as does the transmission. The suspension and brakes have also all been rebuilt with new pads, bushes and hoses. The vendor reports that the car drives as it should, stopping and steering in a straight line.
• The car retains its 6-volt electrical system and all the electrical components currently work as intended.

SUMMARY

This VW Beetle ‘Kabriolett’ is a wonderful example of a charming and rare convertible, which has received an extensive body-off restoration. Presented in a lesser-seen factory colour, it would be a fine addition to any collection of classics.

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