1956 Volkswagen Beetle

Description

The iconic Volkswagen Beetle, officially known as the Volkswagen Type 1, was conceived in the 1930s by Ferdinand Porsche as a “people’s car” (the German translation of Volkswagen) — affordable, reliable, and easy to maintain. Mass production began under British supervision after World War II, and by the 1950s, the Beetle had become a symbol of postwar recovery and economic mobility. Its distinctive rounded shape, rear-mounted and air-cooled engine, and simple mechanics made it a favorite worldwide.

The 1956 Volkswagen Beetle featured a 1192 cc air-cooled flat-four engine, producing 36 horsepower. The rear-wheel-drive economy car was paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The Beetle’s lightweight steel body and compact dimensions — 94.5-inch wheelbase and 160.2 inches in length — made it nimble and efficient, achieving up to 32 mpg. The car’s suspension system, with kingpins and torsion bars up front and swing axles in the rear, provided a surprisingly smooth ride for such a compact vehicle.

With over 333,000 units produced that year, the 1956 Beetle helped solidify Volkswagen’s reputation for building affordable, durable, and charming cars.

Highlights

• Early oval-window Volkswagen (Type 1) Beetle, professional pan-off nut and bolt restoration

• Finished in one-year-old L227 Strato Silver paint over tan vinyl interior

• Powered by a 1192 cc air-cooled flat-four engine rated at 36 hp

• Four-speed manual transmission

• Golde (folding canvas) sunroof

• Chassis No. 1208659 indicates a May 1956 build date

Features

• Venetian blinds

• Banjo steering wheel

• Swan neck mirrors

• Ra-Bambus bamboo parcel tray/storage shelf

• 90 mph speedometer

• Firestone 5.60-15 wide whitewall tires

• Rubber floor covering

Known Imperfections

• Paint chip noted where engine door latches, otherwise presented in fully restored condition with no other known imperfections at the time of cataloging

Included

• Spare tire

• Reproduction owners manual

Ownership History

• The Pennsylvania seller of this 1956 Volkswagen Beetle has owned it since June 2022.