1946 Volkswagen Type 11 " Beetle" extremely early production post-war example

F40 Motorsports is proud to offer this extremely rare 1946 Volkswagen Type 11 “Beetle”.This is believed to be one of the Oldest VW "Beetles" to exist in the United States. An ex-serviceman imported the car immediately following the war, eading one to determine that it has been in the United States practically from new. By the early 1970s it was in the Boston area where Bob Witham, Brookline-based VW dealer, urchased it. The car was placed in his showroom where it was a prominent and popular talking point. In recent years, t passed into our client’s hands.

At some juncture, he Beetle received a sympathetic repaint in a wartime color scheme of army green. The interior has also been refurbished in a tone of green.

Careful inspection indicates the car possesses many of the details that are so distinct to these early cars, ncluding a bakelite instrument cluster, three spoke steering wheel, icense plate light (the bracket only is present), nd ‘semaphore’ turn signals. On inspection, he car was shown to run well.

Historians estimate production of the Beetle to have been approximately 1785 in the 1945 calendar year, nd that by the end of 1946 some 10,000 units in total had been produced. Proportionate to the overall manufacturing run, hese numbers are miniscule; known survivors are incredibly rare, articularly in the U.S. where the car was not offered until 1948.

These beetles are extremely rare and almost never appear for public sale anywhere in the world, aking this a very special and unique opportunity

THE BEETLE
One of the 20th century's truly great automobiles, he Volkswagen 'Beetle' transcended its origins as the German 'people's car', oing on to become an all-time best-seller and cult classic. Originally conceived by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, he Volkswagen inspired unusual loyalty and enthusiasm based on its practicality, eliability, daptability and affordability.
The Volkswagen's layout was the essence of practicality. The platform backbone frame was simple to build, nd its rear mounted engine left the entire volume between the wheels free of obstructions and mated directly to the transaxle, liminating the driveshaft. Porsche's favored trailing arm independent front suspension with transverse torsion bar springs imposed little upon the internal volume, nd the swing axle rear suspension coped with the typically rough roads of the day. An air cooled engine eliminated the whole water cooling system of pumps, ipes, oses and radiators, hile also eliminating the risk of freezing in cold northern winters. It was a remarkably well thought out concept, eeting a number of difficult challenges. It proved, n terms of its impact on automobile design and acceptance, omparable to Henry Ford's Model T.
Seventy years ago post-war production commenced at Wolfsburg, hich was under British military supervision. In 1945 it acquired subtly altered coachwork, mproved running gear and a larger engine. Development proceeded slowly in the immediate post-war year but within a decade, ne million of these cars would be produced.
By 2013 Wolfsburg ranked as the richest city in Germany per capita income, statistic which must have seemed nearly impossible in the immediate aftermath of the War. Much of that success is of course attributable to the phenomenal progression of the 'VW' Group, he origins of which have the humblest beginnings with cars such as this 1946 Beetle.

We are a Licensed CT dealer, T residence are subject to 6.35% sales tax 7% sales tax for any Vehicle over $50,000. The vehicle is being sold “as is” on a CT Q1 form and Reassignment of the Title to winning bidder. The state of Connecticut is a non-Title state for vehicle 25 years and older or pre-1981. They issue a CT Registration that acts as the Title. Serious bidders only please. Bidders are encouraged to inspect the vehicle before the auction ends. For more information or to set up an appointment, lease contact Mike at F40 Motorsports at (860) 342-5705 or mike@f40.com.

Normal business hours:

Monday – Friday 9AM-5PM

Saturday by appointment only

Sunday closed

We reserve the right to end the auction early if the vehicle sells before the auction ends.

Within 24 hours of the auction ending the winning bidder must contact F40 Motorsports and pay the full amount either by bank to bank wire transfer or by certified bank check within 5 business days. The winning bidder is responsible for shipment of vehicle.