Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 105 ¤
1964 Volkswagen Type 1 Deluxe Convertible Coachwork by Karmann Chassis no. 5788536 Engine no. H5733592
Sold for US$25,760 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 105¤
1964 Volkswagen Type 1 Deluxe Convertible
1964 Volkswagen Type 1 Deluxe Convertible
Coachwork by Karmann
Chassis no. 5788536
Engine no. H5733592
Coachwork by Karmann
Chassis no. 5788536
Engine no. H5733592
1,192cc OHV Air-cooled Opposed 4-Cylinder
Single Solex carburetor
40bhp at 4,200rpm
Four-Speed Manual Transmission
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
Four-Wheel Drum Brakes
* Hand-built Karmann-bodied Beetle Cabriolet from Osnabrück
* Genuinely unrestored original in condition 3+
* Period-correct wheel covers, Sapphire radio, bumper overriders
* Recently fitted with a new carburetor; ready to drive
* Preserved survivors becoming increasingly difficult to find
THE VW BETTLE
Though Volkswagen's own Wolfsburg factory had already begun series production of the Beetle in 1946, the model's charismatic convertible bodywork was delegated to Osnabrück coachbuilders Wilhelm Karmann GmbH, who had been building open cars for Opel, Minerva, and others since before the First War. From September 1949 through January 1980, Karmann hand-built every Beetle Cabriolet — more than 330,000 in total — each with the thick, fully lined, well-insulated top that became a hallmark of the type. By 1964, worldwide Beetle production had crossed the one-million-per-year mark, with 7,606 Karmann Cabriolets finding American buyers at $2,095 apiece.
THE CAR OFFERED
For 1964 the Beetle received a suite of subtle but welcome revisions: the troublesome canvas sunroof on sedans was replaced by a body-color steel panel, the horn button moved from a half-ring to two thumb buttons, larger front turn signals were fitted, and seat upholstery switched to a more breathable perforated vinyl. Power came from the familiar 1,192 cc air-cooled flat-four producing 40 horsepower, mated to a four-speed manual — a modest specification, but one whose mechanical simplicity is the foundation of the Beetle's enduring appeal.
This 1964 Cabriolet is presented in red over grey vinyl upholstery with a black top and is cataloged as an unrestored original, condition 3+. It is fitted with period-appropriate wheel covers, whitewall tires, a Sapphire radio, and bumper overriders. The paint presents as good original, the upholstery is lightly worn but intact, and the chrome and weather seals remain in good order. The engine compartment shows honest use, with a new carburetor recently fitted — a sensible piece of running-gear maintenance. A small ding in the right door window molding is noted for disclosure. Untouched original Karmann Cabriolets in genuinely preserved condition have become increasingly difficult to find, and this example offers the rewards of patina together with the confidence of a mechanically sorted, ready-to-drive car.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Auction Viewings
- 12 June 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 PDT
Lot symbols
| ¤ | No Reserve |
| Unless indicated by the ¤ symbol next to the lot number (or bearing an explicit statement such as "No Reserve" or "Without Reserve"), which denotes no reserve, all lots in the catalog are subject to a reserve. The reserve is the minimum hammer price that the seller is willing to accept for a lot. This amount is confidential and does not exceed the low estimate value. |
