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1959 Volkswagen Beetle

The Volkswagen Beetle enjoyed sixty-six years of production, over 21,000,000 examples built, and manufactured on five continents. It was sold in Europe and the United States for over forty years and remained in production in Mexico until the beginning of the 21st century. In 1973 the Beetle surpassed the Model T's total production and has continued to add to its margin for a further quarter-century.

1959 Volkswagen Beetle photo
Convertible Coupe by Karmann
Chassis #: 5557478
View info and history
Auction entries : 1
In 1933, Hitler ordered Ferdinand Porsche to design and develop a 'Volkswagen' (a people's car). Five years later Dr. Porsche's familiar Beetle-shaped saloon (given the sequential number Project 12) entered production. It had four-wheel drum brakes, an all-round independent suspension, and an innovative chassis mated to the spacious body by a mere eighteen bolts. Power was sourced from an all-alloy, rear-mounted flat-four, air-cooled engine. The basic concept would remain unchanged over the years, with all Beetles retaining the air-cooled flat-twin motor located behind the rear axle. The wheelbase never budged from 94.5 inches and the track changed only slightly with wheel and tire choices. The swing axle suspension setup was changed in 1969 to a fully articulated independent rear setup.

The platform backbone frame was adaptable and simple to build, and the engine left the entire volume between the wheels free of obstructions and mated directly to the transaxle which eliminated the driveshaft. The air-cooled engine eliminated the whole water cooling system of pipes, pumps, hoses and radiators as well as eliminating the risk of freezing in cold northern winters.

The Volkswagen Beetle had an unusually loyal and enthusiastic following based on its reliability, adaptability, practicality, and affordability. Constant refinements and various improvements were made each year (yet staying true to the original concept). In 1957, the Beetle underwent the most significant revisions yet, with a redesigned body appearing in August that year. It was given a modified engine lid, and both the front and rear windscreens were considerably enlarged to improve outward vision. The dashboard was revised, with the optional radio now located in a central position. There was a larger glovebox and (from September 1957) additional soundproofing was installed for a much quieter ride. Tubeless tires became standardized. Parking lights and turn signals now perched on top of the front fenders.

1959 Volkswagen Beetle photo
Sunroof Sedan
Chassis #: 2220497
View info and history
Auction entries : 1
The 1959 Volkswagen Beetle received minor changes which included the addition of an anti-sway bar, stronger clutch springs, and a stronger reinforced frame. Bodystyles included a two-door sedan, a sunroof sedan, and a convertible. Prices for the sedan began at just over $1,500 and the convertible was slightly north of $2,000. The engine was a horizontally opposed, overhead-valve air-cooled four-cylinder unit displacing 72.7 cubic inches and delivering 36 (SAE) horsepower. It had four main bearings, a 6-volt electric system, and a Solex downdraft carburetor. There were hydraulic drums and a four-speed manual transmission.


by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2019

Related Reading : Volkswagen Beetle History

The Beetle is perhaps the best-selling car of all time. Truly, a recognizable shape that has stood the test of time. The vehicle is still being produced in Mexico, continuing the long-time running record. Adolf Hitler was searching for a peoples car that was capable of transporting three children and two adults at speeds of sixty miles-per-hour. The car was to be inexpensive, costing the same....
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1959 Volkswagen Beetle Vehicle Profiles

1959 Volkswagen Beetle vehicle information
Convertible Coupe

Coachwork: Karmann
Chassis #: 5557478

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1959 Beetle
$2,730-$22,750
1959 Volkswagen Beetle Price Range: $1,550 - $2,730

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1959 Volkswagen Models

Beetle

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 69.02 CID., 30.00hp
$1,500 - $1,995
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 69.02 CID., 25.00hp
$1,295 - $2,300
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 69.02 CID., 30.00hp
$1,400 - $2,300
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 69.02 CID., 30.00hp
$1,600 - $2,400
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 72.74 CID., 36.00hp
$1,600 - $2,400
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 72.74 CID., 36.00hp
$1,495 - $1,995
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 72.74 CID., 36.00hp
$1,490 - $2,390
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 72.74 CID., 36.00hp
$1,500 - $2,000
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 72.70 CID., 36.00hp
$1,555 - $2,050
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 1192.00 CID., 36.00hp
$1,550 - $2,730
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 72.74 CID., 36.00hp
$1,565 - $2,050
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 72.70 CID., 40.00hp
$1,600 - $2,090
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 72.74 CID., 40.00hp
$1,600 - $2,100
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 72.74 CID., 40.00hp
$1,600 - $2,095
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 72.70 CID., 40.00hp
$1,560 - $2,050
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 78.40 CID., 50.00hp
$1,600 - $2,100
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 73.23 CID., 53.00hp
$1,640 - $2,100
94.50 in.
4 cyl., 91.11 CID., 53.00hp
$1,700 - $2,100

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