The interest in – and love for – the Volkswagen Type 1 seems never-ending.
Since its start in 2017, Bilweb Auctions has sold around 300 examples of the charming little car. And now a true survivor has appeared – a pastel green Beetle from 1950!
The car was sold new in November that same year to Kjell Eriksson outside Åre in Jämtland and remained in the family for over 50 years. It was used extensively and even became the means of transport for a 6,000-kilometer trip to Rome in the summer of 1960, when the Olympic Games were held in the city. The rear side windows still carry the decals that testify to that journey.
In 1975, the car was put aside and left standing for decades, before being carefully brought back to life by later owners. The original engine remains, but it has been refurbished and fitted with pistons with 0.25 oversize.
The market value is set at 300,000–320,000 SEK, and it is expected to be reached quickly when the auction closes on Thursday, October 2.
One person who knows why the Beetle has such an appeal is Mathias Fahlke, who runs Fahlke Classic Cars in Åmål – a workshop specialized in older Volkswagens.
“The interest is due to the fact that it was – and still is – an enormously beloved car. Almost everyone can relate to it, remember it from their childhood or perhaps as their very first car. And of course, it has an irresistible shape,” says Mathias.
He is convinced that the fascination will endure.
“Over the last ten years, especially the older models have firmly established themselves in the collectors’ top tier. Collectors and investors who previously focused on more exclusive cars have opened their eyes to the Beetle.”
The rule is simple: the older, the more expensive. But there is one exception – the 1975 model, of which only 1,000 examples were imported to Sweden. In recent years, its value has increased significantly.
At the same time, many customers at Fahlke Classic Cars don’t want a perfectly restored car.
“Usually it’s just about a technical overhaul. People want to preserve the patina, the original paintwork, and maybe even patch and mend the old upholstery instead of replacing it,” Mathias explains.
Perhaps that is where the secret lies: the Beetle doesn’t have to be perfect – it just needs to be genuine.
