1957 Volkswagen Beetle

1957 Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 Oval Window Family owned car, 2276cc Motor This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 is a final-year Oval Window example that has been rebuilt and customized by Chirco Performance & Restoration in Tucson, Arizona. Finished in its original Horizon Blue with chrome trim and a roof rack, it combines period-correct styling with modern drivability through an upgraded 2276cc engine, suspension and disc brakes. A long-time Arizona car with just two owners, it is offered with extensive documentation and desirable upgrades throughout. Few cars carry the same cultural weight as the Volkswagen Beetle, and the 1957 Oval Window is among the most iconic of all. With its instantly recognizable silhouette, final-year oval rear glass, and a heritage rooted in postwar German engineering, this Beetle represents both a piece of automotive history and a canvas for individuality. This example goes beyond originality, keeping its classic heritage with performance upgrades that transform it into a true hot rod Beetle. VIN 1421280 corresponds to an April 1957 Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle. This places it near the end of the Oval Window production run (which ended in July 1957 before the larger rear window was introduced for the 1958 model year). Built in Wolfsburg, Germany, this confirms the car as an authentic small rear window Oval Beetle. This Beetle has a well-documented history, having spent the majority of its life in Arizona before arriving in Texas just a few months ago. Originally purchased new in 1957, the car remained with the same family until its recent sale and customization, preserving its originality and story across multiple generations. Included with the sale are documents and photographs spanning its entire history, offering an exceptional record of provenance and care through the decades. A freshly built 2276cc motor powers this Beetle, featuring a 94mm bore, 82mm stroke, 9.5:1 compression, EMPI HPMX dual carburetors, AutoLinea oil cooler with stainless lines and low oil sump, EMPI dual exhaust, and a 12v electric oil cooler fan. The drivetrain includes a Pro Swing 4-speed manual transmission, Pro-Street suspension kit with new shocks, and four-wheel disc brakes. A 12v electrical conversion with a new coil and LED headlights completes the mechanical upgrades. This performance setup has just 300 miles since completion, making it essentially a fresh build ready for spirited driving. The car retains its distinctive Oval Window profile with excellent chrome, roof rack, and color-matched trim details. The repaint presents nicely overall with good shine, though some imperfections are visible, including minor paint chipping, orange peel, and small blemishes on the hood edge. Rebuild highlights include new Duro-glas throughout, deluxe window moldings, new light buckets, housings, and seals. The lowered stance and polished chrome details give it a purposeful yet classic look. The cabin presents in dark blue with a white steering wheel, original push-button radio, driver-side sun visor, and later dash handle. Updates include new door panels, Dynamat insulation, blue carpeting, and deluxe window trim kits. The white headliner remains intact with some staining present. The overall interior retains its vintage character while benefiting from some restoration. Included are the original VW jack, tool kit, spare wheel, owners manual, binder of maintenance records, car cover, original 1957 Arizona license plates, and a copy of the original Arizona title. This Beetle is presented in great driver condition. While not a concours example, it has been garage-kept, well documented, and thoughtfully upgraded for reliability and enjoyment. Chrome and trim remain in great condition, the interior is clean and functional, and the mechanicals have been fully modernized for spirited driving. Engine & Drivetrain: 2276cc turn-key motor by Chirco Performance ($8,300) 94mm bore, 82mm stroke, 9.5:1 compression EMPI HPMX dual carburetors EMPI dual exhaust system AutoLinea oil cooler, stainless oil lines, low oil sump 12v electric oil cooler fan Pro Swing 4-speed manual transmission Pro-Street suspension kit with new shocks CPR four-wheel disc brake conversion EMPI dual-disc master cylinder 12v electrical conversion with new coil Exterior: Final-year Oval Window body Blue repaint with chrome in excellent condition Roof rack New Duro-glas throughout New front/rear light buckets, housings, and seals Deluxe window molding restoration kits 15-inch color-matched steel wheels BF Goodrich 155/80R radial white wall tires Lowered stance Minor imperfections: hood edge rust and paint chips Interior: Dark blue interior with white steering wheel Original push-button radio Driver-side sun visor Later dash handle New door panels, blue carpet, Dynamat insulation White headliner intact with light staining Documentation & Extras: Original VW jack and tool kit Original spare wheel Original owners manual Binder of maintenance and history Car cover Original 1957 Arizona license plates Copy of original Arizona title This 1957 VW Beetle is now offered for sale by V Fine Motorcars in Austin, Tx. 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