Welcome to the first edition of Wolf and Mare’s Good Find Friday! In this regular series, we share an Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen or other Euro beauty that has captured our attention for its rarity, obscurity, desirability, affordability, or drivability. 

The Volkswagen Beetle needs no introduction, with its Porsche-designed and problematic genesis under a fascist regime well known and documented. It was produced in the tens of millions over 7 decades and is perhaps the most iconic vehicle ever. It is beloved by the common man and wealthy collectors alike.

For those reasons the Beetle is a frequent attendee at your local classic car show or concours. What made them a popular car in the 60s keeps them popular today: relative affordability, ease of maintenance and repair, availability of parts, durability, high-quality construction and practicality. 

This 1957 Oval window VW Beetle for sale on The Samba belongs to a generation of Volkswagen’s people car that is getting harder and hard to find. Oval window Beetles were produced from 1953 to 1957, making this Bug a final year example of the style. While not as rare as the split window it replaced, this car’s potential for originality is what makes it worthy of Good Find Friday.

Finished in black over red interior, this 57’s seller claims to be only the third to have the car titled in his name. Billed as 100% rust free and all original, the overall condition seems to back this up, in particular when examining the interior. It’s possible the car has had an exterior repaint as many have, but the interior appears to have a patina only age can generate. Paint and chrome on the exterior present very nicely, though the poor photographs do little to help validate the seller’s claim.

VW Bugs have risen in value significantly in the last 10-20 years, especially early cars. 1957 VW Beetles in #2 condition are valued at $60,000 and $27,000 in #3 Good condition. In our estimation the seller’s asking price for this punchbug is right on the money at $27,500.

Original and unrestored cars in preservation condition bring much more money than refreshed classics or aged restorations. This car could represent a stellar buy, deeming it worthy of an in-person inspection. We’ve found that sometimes amazing cars lurk behind poor photography, so this car could be a hidden gem.

What do you think? Is this “original” Beetle an Oval dream or does it taste like Ovaltine? Let us know in the comments!

Wolf and Mare provides appraisal and research services for sellers and buyers of collector German cars. If you’re interested in this car or any other oval window Beetle, give us a call or drop a line!