An Exquisite Example of The Rare & Early Standard “Split-Window” Beetle

Selling NOW Exclusively at Auction, through Bring-a-Trailer.com: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1952-volkswagen-beetle-6/

1952 Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle 'Split-Window' Standard Sedan

Chassis No. 1-0339587
Engine No. 1-0337542

An exquisite example of the rare early Standard “Split-Window” Beetle

It's said to be Multiple award winner with numerous rare accessories

Excellent attention to detail and authenticity throughout

Acquired from the Ronald Lauder Collection (Estee Lauder) in the Hamptons, NY

Beautifully Presented in Jupiter Grey and with Excellent Fit and Finish

2025 Inspection and Service

New 500/525-16 Excelsior Tires and Michelin Tubes

Complete with Jack and matching Spare Tire

The rare Beetle offered here is the Standard model, which was sold strictly in the European market and never exported to the United States. This model, as its name indicates, differs from the Deluxe in that all of its metal trim, plated on the U.S. models, is instead finished in body color. In addition, per factory specifications, the 1952 Type 1 Standard Sedan had no VW emblems or center hood strip, as well as no bright trim on the doors, quarter panels, hubcaps, or running boards. Even the outside door handles were painted body color. The 1952 models are also distinguished by their rare bumper guards, which are seen only on this year's Beetles. Even the horn differs on this Standard model; it is carried on the driver's side front bumper bracket and is the very unusual Robert Bosch unit.

Also note the small bump in the roof, centered above the windshield, intended to carry a Hirschmann antenna. This “bump” is seen only on Beetles produced prior to October 1952. Similarly, the car carries a genuine VW “Pope's nose” license-plate light and round taillights, which were also discontinued in October, as well as the proper early-style ribbed semaphore turn signals. Also present are an auxiliary additional brake light and a matching reverse light mounted near the passenger-side round taillight (the taillights changed to “heart lights” in October 1952).

The car was refinished in its correct original, Jupiter Grey, paired to German 16-inch steel wheels with matching factory hubcaps, shod in new correct European Excelsior cross-ply tires.

Even the engine of this superior Beetle is correct and underwent its first rebuild during the restoration, performed by Import Parts of Medford, Oregon. It has the proper, rare Bosch distributor, the “T” can air cleaner with correct felt liner, and many other proper fittings.

An absolute joy to drive, display, and one of the best and most authentically finished examples stateside of this extraordinarily rare early Beetle, this is a crown jewel for any VW enthusiast's collection.

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