1959 Ragtop Beetle, Mignonette Green, Beautiful Multi Show Winner!

This exceptional early Ragtop Beetle was purchased from the original owner back in 1988 and what was initially intended to be a "repaint and then driver" quickly snowballed into a complete head-to-toe restoration that took roughly two and a half years and was completed in 1991.  Since that time it has been featured in VW Trends, Super VW (France), and Vochomania (Mexico) magazines and has received awards and special recognition at 32 shows over a 20 year span.  Those awards include 15 1st places (4 of them at the VW Classic in Irvine), multiple Top 10 awards, as well as Best Vintage, Best Foreign, and most recently took 2nd place honors at the VW Classic just last weekend!  It's very nicely done, retains many original details throughout, and the staggering list of awards and recognition clearly punctuates that fact.

Some of the many features include being a factory sunroof with matching numbers Southern California car with approximately 96,000 original miles, the original 1192cc 36hp engine is still in it as confirmed by Volkswagen on the birth certificate, original floor pan, gorgeous and rare original 1959 color of L14 Mignonette Green, mohair headliner, German square weave carpet, original VW accessory roof rack, and loads more!

The body is in very good condition, not perfect, but obviously displays very well since it continues to win at every show it attends.  The body and paint work was done roughly 20 years ago and due to its conscientious mature adult ownership and proper care, it still looks great today.  There are some flaws including a couple small tears in the lower edge of the hood, some blistering on the lower door sill on the driver's side, some blisters on the lower rear driver's door, and a couple other little spots that can clearly be seen in the album of 131 pics on my website.  The car has the proper flat hood, small license light decklid, icepick handled doors, and correct front and rear aprons, too.  The owner retained as many original details as possible throughout the restoration which is why he decided to rechrome the original German bumpers, door handles, vent window frames, and other small parts rather than replace them with reproductions.  The pan is very solid and clean although there are a few pinholes beneath the battery.

The interior has been completely refreshed and is very faithful to original as well.  Great care was taken in sourcing accurate materials including the seat upholstery, tan mohair headliner, and German square weave carpeting.  The door panels are original and have been redyed to freshen them up.  The dash is in nice uncut condition, features a early Sapphire I square button radio (not currently working), and the early clear needle speedometer shows just under 96,000 original miles.  Additionally the original transparent sunvisor is present and in nice shape.  You can even see the little factory plug on the passenger's side, cool original detail.  Under the hood is super clean with an NOS wiring cover, excellent wiring, cool accessory "sunburst" gas cap, clean and solid spare tire well, and a perfect matching spare wheel. 

Mechanically this Beetle is completely bone stock and in excellent running order.  The engine is the original matching numbers 36hp which was thoroughly cleaned, detailed, serviced, and refreshed at the time of restoration.  It has been driven roughly 13,000 miles since completion and continues to perform beautifully including many road trips to shows as far as Arizona and Orange County.  The original split case transaxle still works nicely and the electrical system is still 6 volt as well.  The tires are very nice and proper Firestone 5.60-15 wide white walls and the hubcaps are super nice new German units with properly painted logos, too.

The original pair of California black license plates that were on the car when it was purchased from the original owner will also be included in the sale.

This beautiful early Ragtop Beetle is fully ready to enjoy and continue its streak of compliments and awards.  Thanks!

SOLD!

Please note that this Beetle is located in San Diego, California. 

Please visit my website at www.holygrailgarage.com to see the full album of 131 pics of this Ragtop, more interesting Vintage VWs, Classic Cars, and Parts for sale.

Brendan Finn (858)366-2549
http://www.holygrailgarage.com
brendanfinn666@yahoo.com