Tagged: Oval

Original ’55 for sale – again!

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Well, after selling my very original 1955 Stratos Silver Beetle to Laurent Gachoud from Switzerland a few months ago, It would seem that Laurent would be required to restore the car to be able to register it in Switzerland! Laurent has therefore decided that the car is far too original and would be far better staying as it is so would like to sell the car to someone who’s local vehicle laws are not as strict as those in Switzerland. There are lots of photos on my previous post and you can contact Laurent directly at: laurent.gachoud@bluewin.ch if you are interested in purchasing the beetle.

Original ’55 for sale

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Thanks for all the interest, Sale pending…

I’ve decided that after six years of ownership, it’s time to sell my very original 1955 Oval-Window Beetle.

It’s an unrestored 1955 VW Oval Beetle still in original Stratos Silver paint, one of the nicest colours for a vintage VW. It has driven just 139084 KM (86422 Miles) from new and only had one owner in Sweden from 1955 -2003 when it had 68,000 Miles on the clock. It has never required any welding and is in remarkable condition for a 60 year old beetle, a true survivor!

The Stratos Silver paint and all the bodywork is completely original and has a lovely patina. It appears that just a single semaphore was replaced at some point in it’s early life in Sweden. It has it’s original 30hp engine from April ’55 which has just been serviced and drives great – as you would expect for a low-mileage VW.

The interior is original too and has the original floor mats, carpets, upholstery, door-cards and headlining. VW lap belts are fitted at the front and a single 3-point belt at the back.

I’ve always kept the beetle in my garage and it’s only covered 700 miles since I bought it in 2009.

It has several period accessories fitted including original Swedish wheel trims which it would have had from new, a dash-clock, Bambus parcel shelf, VW Gear leaver lock (no key), Passenger sun-visor and a high-level rear LED Brake light in the back window which helps overcome the size of the small heart-shaped rear brake lights! It also has an optima red-top battery so it always starts easily even after several months.

If originality is your thing, I doubt you will find a better early oval-window beetle. I’m happy to help with world wide shipping at the buyers expense. I would consider a trade for a VW T4 or T5 Camper with a similar value in the UK.

I can be contacted through this blog or directly via: malcolm@vueca.com

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Snoval

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Photo of the week #70 – I moved home last week to a small village near Brackley, and my poor old 1955 Oval Window VW Beetle had to spend a few days outside on the drive while we sorted out everything in the garage. With heavy snow-falls over most of last weekend, I think this may have been the worst weather that this old timer has faced since it’s been in this country – certainly since I’ve owned it! But as it originally came from Sweden, it may be a nice reminder of the weather it had to face when it started it’s life. This photograph was taken on my iPhone 5.

Downtown Los Angeles by Heather Lee Brough

mg_6072This fantastic series of photographs was taken by Heather Lee Brough and features Isabel, the 1956 VW Beetle. There’s lots more great Volkswagen photography, amongst other subjects over on  Heather’s blog: heatherleebrough.wordpress.com

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Green ’57

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Photo of the week #67 – I spent last Saturday in Towcester and spotted this 1957 right hand drive oval-window beetle parked up at the side of the road. Original, Early, Right hand drive, UK-supplied Volkswagens are now few and far between and this early example looked fairly original, apart from being a bit closer to the ground on some polished Empie 5s! This shot was taken on my iPhone 5.

British Standard

IMG_7697_666x999Photo of the week #66 – A rare standard model sunroof oval VW pictured at DubFreeze. These basic, no-frills beetles have little, if any chrome work, cable-brakes, a minimal headlining and the front seats are bolted to the floor and can be adjusted by loosening two wing-nuts below each seat! They also have a three-spoke steering wheel similar to the early standard split window models.

Historic VWs


Photo of the week #49 – The Historic VW display at the Stanford Hall VW show is always popular and attracts many of the countries best examples of split window and oval window beetles, along with a few military VWs from the early 40s. Organised by the UK Historic Volkswagen club, the display is free to join if you pre-register, you also get free admission to the show and a great parking spot in front of the hall too! The fourth one in the line is my 1955 Oval window beetle.