Summary

Equipped with a retractable sunroof and finished in black with a red leather interior. Powered by a 1.1-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox.

Details

This 1953 Volkswagen Split-Window 'Zwitter' Beetle sedan is powered by a 1,192cc 4-cylinder engine producing 36hp mated to a 4-speed later variant manual gearbox with first gear synchros. The tub features new heater channels, and a new half pan, new correct bonnet and engine lid. This Beetle was subject to a frame-off restoration, sporting a black finish with a correct red vinyl interior with a wool headliner and German square-weave carpets. During VW's Type-1 production years, it built three basic models with the sedan, sunroof sedan (rag-top) and the cabriolet (convertible). The 1948 to 1952 Beetles sport a spilt rear window. Chrome trim was used instead of aluminum, vent windows were installed in the doors, and it features unique bumpers, headlamps and taillamps, as well as featuring many Zwitter-only interior components. During the rotisserie restoration, the 36hp 1,192cc engine (#3918800) was rebuilt. It features a round regulator strap and one-year-only air cleaner. The sunroof is a correct 1953 trifold, which was added during restoration. Other upgrades include ribbed rear fenders, '56 front fenders with wire tubes and grooved molding. It retains its original back bumper, with a new correct back apron and bumper brackets. Original Zwitter features include the Zwitter gas tank and ashtray. It has a correct shortwave radio and the correct ribbed semaphores from Matt's Semaphore Restoration. The entire electrical harness is a new correct kit from Wolfsburg West. The interior features a correct wool headliner and German square-weave wool carpets. The seats are correct 1953 Wolfsburg West reproductions. This Split-Window Beetle has had over $21,189 spent between 2019 and 2022 at Coachwerks Restoration, including new wheels and whitewall tires, a new correct speedometer, new wheel cylinders and brake hoses, new tie-rod ends, fuel filter, regular maintenance, new reinforced clutch shaft, spark plugs and some gaskets. The pop-up turn signals are in working order. Accompanying the car are the recent receipts and an older appraisal.