The Volkswagen Beetle is a unique and memorable classic car in the industry. Since its inception in the late 1930s, the two-door, rear-engined car remains among the most influential classic cars in the 20th Century. Volkswagen designed the Beetle to meet the high demands for a simple, functional, and affordable mass-produced car.
The first compact beetle ran on a 25-hp 192cc Flat-Four engine. This paired with a four-speed manual transaxle to send power to the rear wheels, making a top speed of 62 mph. Later, more variants came into play. The Type 2 and the Karmann came in the early 1950s, followed by the Type 3 in 1961 and the Type 4 in 1968. The brand also introduced various powertrain offerings. A four-speed semi-automatic Saxomat, and a three-speed semi-automatic Autostick transmission became standard. In time, the Volkswagen Beetle drove the masses around the globe, alongside its Mini Cooper counterpart.
The Classic Volkswagen Beetle is Germany’s most popular classic car and can be purchased at a reasonable price.
Here’s How Much A 1950s Volkswagen Beetle Costs
Values of the 1950s VW Beetle have held within the $13,500 to the 18,064 range for the better part of a decade. The price typically hits the ceiling at around $28,000. In 2022, the average price you should expect to pay for a 1950s Volkswagen Beetle is $14,400. While “the older the car, the lower the price” is the typical automotive aphorism, some longest-staying classic cars cost more than the newer classics. This applies exclusively to mint condition models. Beetles from the 1950s are very rare these days, unlike the succeeding model years. They have been on the road for more years, so finding a model with lower mileage would take an effort, to say the least. The higher mileage models, which cost around $6,000, often come with maintenance issues, some scratches, and minor paint patches across the body.
Due to the rarity of good condition models, some 1950s VW Beetles have sold for more than $70,000, with one or two models exceeding the $100,000 price point. For instance, the rarest Volkswagen Beetle is the VW Beetle Zwitter. This model joined the line-up in October 1952 and was then produced through March 1953. Unlike the common models, the Zwitter trim is distinctively recognized for its split window on the rear of the vehicle.
Generally, the resale price depends on the condition and mileage. On classic cars, just look for a model that’s at a middle ground, offering the best of both sides, and you’ll be good to go. As always, the value of any car changes over time. Some classic cars are available today at a fraction of the cost they were a few years ago. Revaluation is all about how cars depreciate over time and other factors such as age and ownership. If you want to get the most detailed and up-to-date assessment, consider using the valuation tool on classiccarvalue.com.
1950s Volkswagen Beetle: Reliability And Maintenance
There are so many factors that impact the cost of car ownership – even more, when you’re dealing with a classic car. When buying a car, it’s easy to check things like fuel economy and insurance costs. Most people tend to forget maintenance costs and the reliability of the car. For a car that’s over six decades old, the Volkswagen Beetle is among the reliable classic cars you can own, on average. A typical 1950s Volkswagen Beetle has a reliability rating of 44.8 out of an overall rating of 57, according to withclutch.com.
In regard to the maintenance, you should expect to pay around $612 in yearly maintenance costs for a standard 2-door 1950s Volkswagen Beetle. Compared to other classic options, the Beetle costs less money to maintain. Also, note that the maintenance cost can change over time. There are several factors that can affect the maintenance cost. The region you drive your car can play a huge role, along with the driving condition in which the car drives. Also, factor in the configurations and transmission. More packages on the vehicle also weigh in on maintenance. The more moving parts, extra parts, and options your car has, the more those parts will need repairs. Preventive maintenance can help to keep your car fit while minimizing maintenance costs in the long run.
What You Should Know Before Buying A Classic VW Beetle Today
Here are a few things you should consider before you buy a 1950s Volkswagen Beetle.
Replacement Parts
Aside from maintenance costs, vehicles need some part replacements. As cars get older, the parts' replacement costs often rise over time. This is very common with used cars and classic cars like the Beetle. Pricier VW beetles usually come with more expensive car parts. These will also be expensive to replace once they wear out. Before you take your desired beetle home, make sure that it needs fewer replacement parts. If not, you might end up with a money pit.
Rust
Rust is inevitable. As long as your car's body consists of steel, it’s going to rust someday. Cars that come from areas where folks salt the snowy roads are more susceptible to rust on the chassis. But rust comes in different levels. Some minor rust on the body is easier to repair and can cost you a few hundred bucks to fix. But anything more than minor rust on the body and chassis is not worth it. Be sure to check the details of the previous ownership, usage, and location.