1961 Volkswagen Karmann Beetle Cabriolet
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Seller
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purelife33
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Location
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Los Angeles
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Vehicle Make/Model
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Volkswagen Karmann Beetle Cabriolet
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Vin No.
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3931396
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Exterior
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Grey Anthracite
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Interior
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Grey cloth with Burgundy Vinyl
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Mileage
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118 kilometers
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Engine
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1,192 cc Four Cylinder
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Engine No.
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5344983
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Transmission
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4-Speed Manual Transmission
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Suspension
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Independent
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Brakes
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4-wheel drum
1961 Volkswagen Karmann Beetle Cabriolet
While Volkswagen’s order from Karmann for the first 1,000 four-seater, four-wing convertible Type 15 cars was not signed until 1949, Ferdinand Porsche had asked Karmann about the possibility of developing a prototype Volkswagen convertible as early as 1935/36. Karmann would go on to produce a total of 2,548,765 Beetle Cabriolets over the next 50 years. While Karmann is known for producing the Beetle Cabriolet and the Karmann Ghia, they also built all of the cabriolet versions of the VW Golf, Scirocco and Corrado. In the 1960s the company expanded to a factory in Brazil, as well as Rheine. From 1901 to 2009 when the company was declared insolvent, Karmann produced everything from an AMC Javelin coupé to a Merkur XR4Ti.
This pristine anthracite grey example was purchased by the current owner as a barn find in Wisconsin where it had sat for 30 years. After transporting the car home to Los Angeles, a 2 ½ year restoration commenced. The restoration of the car returned it to a high factory stock level. New floors were installed, and powder coated. The front beam was disassembled, rebuilt and refinished, as was the transmission. Great care was taken during the restoration to preserve the original metal. The original doors, front and rear aprons, fenders and hoods remain intact and original. After carefully blocking and sanding the body, the paint was completed using a two-stage anthracite grey. It was then left to cure for two months before being assembled. All of the hardware was refinished to perfection and the interior was finished in a European/US factory finish with grey cloth and burgundy vinyl. The convertible top was made using an early German canvas fabric in a color that complements the interior. The headliner is a German mohair wool fabric and the carpet is a German single loop grey mesh. The owner made sure that great care and attention to detail was paid in every aspect of the restoration from the restoration of the body down to the hardware.
This Beetle is simply in excellent, show quality condition. It comes complete with a European owner’s manual with cover, spare tire, car cover, and build sheets and with only 118 kilometers on the clock since the restoration was finished, the next owner of this stunning 1961 Volkswagen Karmann Beetle Cabriolet will find that they have basically purchased a brand-new car that is just waiting to be driven.
Exterior
The exterior of the car is in excellent if not pristine condition with little signs of use. The grey anthracite color is extremely striking. The fit and finish of all body components is excellent. The original doors, front and rear aprons, fenders and hoods remain intact and original. It is obvious that great care was taken in completing the restoration to keep the car as original as possible and to complete the restoration to the utmost quality.
Interior
The grey cloth and burgundy vinyl interior provide a nice pop of color against the anthracite grey. The interior appears in new condition with no signs of wear or use. There is a flaw in the paint in the driver's side door opening, as seen in the pictures.
Engine and Drive Train
Both the engine and transmission were fully rebuilt during restoration, as well as the chassis components. All appears in excellent condition with care taken to have the correct stickers and finishes in place. The hardware that was replaced during the restoration was all finished to prevent future rust or corrosion issues.
Trunk and Storage Compartment
The trunk appears to be in as new condition with the spare tire in place. There is some rubbing from the hinge on the paint, but that should be easily fixable.
Underside
Great care was taken in the restoration to restore and coat the underside of the car to prevent any future rust damage. All appears in new, recently restored condition.
Documentation Spares
A European Owner’s manual with sleeve is included with the car, as is a copy of the original build sheet.
1961 Volkswagen Karmann Beetle Cabriolet
Bid History
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