History

The VW Beetle needs no introduction. Conceived in the early 1930s as a simple, inexpensive, and mass-produced car for the German people, the Beetle became an icon of worldwide motoring over its incredible 65+ year production run, in part due to being the automotive centerpiece of the American counterculture movement of the 1960s. While it was produced in more variations than we can conceivably fit into this listing, 1954 was one of the Beetle’s more important years, as its Type 122 engine was enlarged to 1.2L, then with a 30 hp rating. That may not seem like a lot, but it was a 5-horsepower improvement over its 1.1L predecessor. 

When we think of motorsport, the VW Beetle generally is not the first vehicle that comes to mind. However, digging deep, we can see that there was quite a unique relationship between the Porsche 356 and VW Beetle. They are deeply linked, both penned by Ferdinand Porsche, they use the same engine platform, while the 356 used a unitized pan-and-body construction for superior handling and more powerful engine components. Even some mechanical components, like the Beetle’s engine case and some suspension components, were initially sourced from the Beetle. Many parts were interchangeable between the cars for the most part, and as such the Beetle became a presence in motorsport in the 1950’s. Most notably in 1954 when Paul-Ernst Strahle’s “Dapferle” #347 Beetle utilized a 1300cc Porsche Engine and many Porsche components, claiming first in the 1300cc class and 3rd in the 1500cc class. A nod to the compatibility and engineering influence between Porsche and VW, and unique and often overlooked victory that puts the Beetle in a legendary light.  

This Car

Finished in similar livery to “Dapferle”, this particular example, Chassis # 1-0637734, is a Euro-spec De Luxe Sedan Beetle complete with the desirable semaphores, 7” reflector headlights, fluted Bosch lenses, and single-blade bumpers. The De Luxe model was the more “upscale” variant, with twin sun visors, a passenger grab handle, cloth or leatherette interior options, and the upgraded 1.2L liter. This Beetle was delivered to its first owner by John Von Neumann’s Competition Motors in Hollywood, CA, in May of 1954. It was optioned with the “Larger reflector in brake light,” a “MPH speedometer,” “Short-distance interference suppression for wiper motor,” a “Warning triangle,” a “Laminated windshield,” “Upholstered leatherette interior,” and “Heavy duty shock absorbers.” A very unique combination of European spec, good options, and delivered by the famous Southern California Porsche dealership that would go on to sell legendary cars to legendary drivers. 

While its early history has been lost to time, the current enthusiast owner, who has many years of racing and Porsche ownership and restoration experience, built this car as a homage to the Beetles that raced the Mille Miglia in period. As such, he endowed this Beetle with a number of top-shelf Porsche 356 components from his extensive collection. While he completed some of the work himself, other aspects of the build were carried out by Dugan’s Classic Car Werks in Readington, NJ, and Garibaldi Imagineering LLC in Bayonne, NJ. From October 2023 to June 2025, the Beetle was thoughtfully modified with Porsche 356 Speedster torsion bars and spring plates, 356 brake drums with Carrera studs on the rear and 20mm spacers, 356 wheels, 356 roller-bearing front axles, 356 king and link pins, a damper, and a 356 steering box. The freshly machine turned Porsche 356A brake drums are now assisted by a dual circuit master cylinder, ATE wheel cylinders, and 356 parking brake cables.

While the original engine is long gone, the current engine, a later dual port motor from 1973-1974, was bored, stroked, and received a big cam prior to the current ownership. Adding to this strength, the current build saw an upgrade to Kadron carbs with Vintage Speed linkage, a 009 distributor, a blue Bosch coil, a rebuilt Bosch Alternator, a Gene Berg timing pulley, a custom Sebring exhaust, a new wiring harness, and a new starter, along with a 12-volt conversion.

Underneath, the Beetle sits on an adjustable front end with adjustable Koni shocks and a 19mm front sway bar. The 356 wheels are wrapped in 165 Michelin XZX radial tires. The spare wheel is also a 356 wheel and is wrapped in a smaller 155 Michelin XZX tire with the correct 356 hold-down bracket and original leather strap. Lighting-wise, the semaphores are set up with blinking bulbs, the headlights and taillights were upgraded with Halogen H4 bulbs, and the blinkers were changed to 356 running lights.

Being a California car, it retains its original rust-free floor with original floor mat snaps under the new rubber mats, and a solid front spare wheel well. The side and rear glass remain original with “SEKURIT” logos, but the front windshield was replaced and remains spotless. This Beetle is no stranger to appealing patina, with a 20-year-old paint job boasting Competition Motors graphics hand-painted by Anthony Di Liberto. Lastly, the hood retains its original hood crest/emblem as well.

 The interior’s vinyl seats and panels have been reupholstered. The headliner has been redone in a period-correct Mohair finish, and the original batwing steering wheel was restored to factory condition by Koch. Behind it is a Kafer center grill with an 8k RPM redline ISP electronic tach, a VDO Temp gauge, and a 356 alloy steering column clamp. All of the controls remain original to the car, down to the dash knobs, correct ribbed winders and latches, visors, coat hook, and grab handles. The original VW shifter has also been upgraded with Super shifter bushings and a 356 knob. Further cabin additions for safety and reliability include a current Halotron fire extinguisher and a safely secured AGM battery with an external Bosch cut-off switch.

Of course, all of these modifications weren’t simply done for aesthetic reasons. This Beetle ran a 6-minute 30-second time at the Mount Equinox Hillclimb recently, beating several 356A Porsches; it won a people’s choice award at the 2024 Flanders VW show, and is widely event eligible, including eligible to apply to the Mille Miglia if a period-correct Porsche or VW 1300cc or 1500cc engine were to be installed. It is also eligible for the VSCCA’s preservation class and sanctioned hill climbs. 

As it sits, this is a terrific example of a VW Beetle with purposeful modifications and a unique build that is unlike any other. It is a car that can go racing, be shown, and keep up with modern traffic, if not outrun it. Usable, eligible, and impressive. Upon purchase, the new owner will receive all of the service receipts on file, the VW Certificates of Authenticity, a Corbeau racing seat, the original HAZET tools, a jack, repair books, a vintage Corbin leather suitcase, and a roof rack.

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The Details