1957 Volkswagen Beetle - Classic Type 1 Oval Window 2276cc

Vehicle Description

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 making its way to Texas just a few years ago. Originally purchased new in 1957, the car remained with the same family from new until 2023, preserving its originality and story over multiple generations. Included with the sale is documentation and photographs dating back throughout the history of the car, providing an exceptional record of its 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, stainless lines, 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, new shocks, and four-wheel disc brakes. A 12v electrical conversion with a new coil and LED headlights completes the mechanical upgrades.

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, owner's 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 owner's 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. Contact us today!