1953 Volkswagen Beetle - Turquoise - 1500cc Air-Cooled Flat Four, 4-Speed Manual - Split Window Restomod
Volkswagen Beetle, 1500cc air-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder, 4-speed manual, rear-wheel drive, turquoise, right-hand drive.
Description
The 1953 Volkswagen Beetle represents the final year of the most sought-after body in Beetle history. The split rear window, the small oval glass, the pre-1953 running gear, and the simpler early profile are what collectors and enthusiasts seek when they talk about the Beetle they actually want. This example has been built as a restomod, presented in a striking turquoise finish with show-quality preparation, while retaining the styling details that make the early cars so desirable.
The exterior is immaculate. The turquoise paint holds deep gloss across every panel with no visible chips, dents, or panel damage. The split oval rear glass is one of the most visually striking details in classic car collecting and this car frames it perfectly. Chrome front and rear bumpers with overriders are clean and bright. Round headlights with chrome bezels and working semaphore indicators on the B-pillars complete the period picture. Four colour-matched steel wheels with polished chrome VW hub caps and whitewall tyres in excellent condition finish the presentation. A factory-style sliding sunroof is fitted to the roof. The front trunk is tidy, with the fuel tank in position and a matching spare whitewall-fitted wheel on a colour-matched rim alongside carpet lining.
The rear engine bay carries a 1500cc air-cooled flat four with a SCAT performance carburettor and aftermarket ignition leads. The engine bay is painted to match the exterior. The interior follows a period-style brown and tan theme with a polished walnut wood-rim steering wheel with chrome VW badge and polished aluminium hub, and a four-gauge aftermarket instrument cluster (alongside the original speedometer) in a polished chrome binnacle. A polished wood-faced glove box with chrome handle sits to the left of the instrument panel. Door cards are trimmed in tan vinyl with chrome pull rods. The front bucket seats feature grey/charcoal cloth bases with brown leather-style backs, a partial retrim that is visible in the photos. The rear bench is in tan and brown vinyl. Two coaxial speakers are integrated into the parcel shelf. A Bluetooth audio receiver is fitted. The battery has been relocated to the cavity under the front driver seat, with a fire extinguisher also mounted in this space. An extensive spare parts collection is included, featuring new-in-bag chrome headlight surrounds, VW-branded parts packages, a fan belt, a jumper cable set, and various accessory items.
Split Window Beetles in comparable restomod condition have been achieving $22,000-$36,000 at major Australian auctions in recent years. With a guide of $20,000-$35,000, this example is correctly positioned for the market.
Features
* 1953 Volkswagen Beetle Split Window, right-hand drive
* 1500cc air-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine
* SCAT performance carburettor fitted
* Aftermarket performance ignition leads
* 4-speed manual transmission
* Rear-wheel drive
* Split oval rear window, the defining body style of the early Beetles
* Vivid turquoise exterior finish
* Colour-matched steel wheels with chrome VW hub caps and whitewall tyres
* Chrome front and rear bumpers with overriders
* Working semaphore indicators on B-pillars
* Factory-style sliding sunroof
* Polished walnut wood-rim steering wheel with VW badge and chrome hub
* Aftermarket 4-gauge instrument cluster alongside original speedometer
* Polished wood-faced glove box with chrome handle
* Tan vinyl door cards with chrome window winders and chrome pull rods
* Bluetooth audio system (Kenwood)
* Two coaxial speakers in parcel shelf
* Battery relocated to driver seat cavity
* Fire extinguisher fitted
* Spare wheel with whitewall tyre on colour-matched rim in front trunk
* Substantial spare parts collection included (new chrome headlight surrounds, VW-branded parts packages, fan belt, jumper cables, accessories)
* VIC club plates fitted, sold unregistered
Condition Notes
* Front seat upholstery is a partial retrim: seat bases are in grey/charcoal cloth, seat backs are in brown leather-style vinyl. Mismatched but functional.
* Battery relocation and non-standard wiring present in driver seat cavity area
* Vendor advises no oil leaks
* Engine number (AD465756) indicates a later replacement engine rather than a period-correct 1953 unit, consistent with the restomod build approach
Specifications
Year: 1953
Make/Model: Volkswagen Beetle
Body: 2-door saloon
Engine: 1500cc air-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Colour: Turquoise
Seats: 4
Steering: Right-hand drive
Price Guide: $20,000 - $35,000
Chassis No: 2506024
(Key #Cc1)
Lloyds stock #582159+1
#CCALL
#CCEUR
Location of item: 4-10 Keon Parade, Thomastown, VIC, Australia
** This vendor is not registered for GST - therefore GST is not applicable on this asset **
As Standard Auction Practice all Vehicles are Sold Unregistered
As with all vehicles sold in the Classic Car Division, they have been well looked after by their previous owners. This is an Auction Sale. This asset is sold under standard auction conditions, as is, where is. High volumes of incoming product prevent our team from being able to inspect all items individually. All photos, descriptions, odometer readings, hour readings, engine specifications and any condition reports should be used as a guide only and have been compiled after speaking with the owners. To find out more about this lot or to book a live video inspection please contact the Auctioneer Contact which can be found on the Auction Details page. There is no statutory warranty & no cooling off period.
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