One of the all time classics, the Volkswagen Beetle can also lay claim to being the most important car ever built - certainly in sheer volume of production the Beetle has reached incredible levels, with more than twenty million sold around the globe. Designed by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche around a rugged air-cooled four-cylinder engine in a rear-engined layout, the Beetle was basic, cheap and reliable which made it increasingly popular in a post-war world hungry for automobiles. Launched in 1945 as an 1100, the Beetle underwent almost constant development; a 1200cc engine was used from the early 1950s and this was redesigned in 1960 for more power. An all-synchromesh gearbox was adopted at the same time while the bodywork was gradually improved as well - most noticeably the small oval window was enlarged in August 1957 to improve visibility. Assembly of Beetles from CKD kits began in 1954 and by 1962, Volkswagen was the third biggest manufacturer of cars here after Holden and Ford, exporting cars across the South East Asia region. Innovations continued into the early 1960s, with larger tail lights, seat belt mounting points, a better heater and spring-loaded bonnet for mid-1962. For 1964, only minor changes were made to Australian-assembled Beetles, including bigger front indicators and wider rear number plate light. Beautifully made and loaded with charm, classic Beetles like the car offered here are becoming hard to find in this original condition, making this a superb opportunity for Volkswagen collectors.
2009 Shannons Melbourne Winter Classic Auction
