- 1,096
- United States
Poll 1341: 1953-1957 Volkswagen Beetle nominated by @Volksauto
Body Style: 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible
Engine: 1.1L Flat-4, 1.2L Flat-4
Power: 25-36 HP
Weight: 1,600 lbs. (725 kg.)
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Drive train: rear engine, rear-wheel drive
Country: Germany
Body Style: 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible
Engine: 1.1L Flat-4, 1.2L Flat-4
Power: 25-36 HP
Weight: 1,600 lbs. (725 kg.)
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Drive train: rear engine, rear-wheel drive
Country: Germany
The first noticeable design change for the Volkswagen Beetle began in March of 1953. The two-piece split rear window was replaced with a one piece curved glass giving this era of Bugs the nickname 'Oval Window'. By this time VW was producing over 100,000 cars annually.
In 1954, the engine's displacement increased from 1131 to 1192cc and horsepower increased to 36 allowing the car to cruise at a higher top speed. Annual changes were just the beginning. The one millionth Beetle was built in 1955 and Volkswagen was exporting in almost eighty countries. By 1956, VW accounted for 65% of all imported cars in the United States and sold over 50,000 in 1957. VW's advertisements and brochures of the 1950s really emphasized the car's curves and lines promoting the idea that it's European styling was "attractive and state of the art".
"There is no longer any doubt about it," said Road & Track in October 1956. "Dr. Ferdinand Porsche's little 'people's car' has done what no other [import] has ever been able to do: it has gained an unmistakable wheel-hold in the garages and hearts of the American car-buying public . . . . The only mystery is: how did it happen? Especially with practically no national advertising? Of the various explanations, probably the simplest is that the Volkswagen fulfills a need which Detroit had forgotten . . . a car that is cheap to buy and run, small and compact, light and maneuverable yet solidly constructed, and perhaps above all, utterly dependable and trouble-free."
The fifties oval era Beetle has been a very sought after VW in the recent years.
In 1954, the engine's displacement increased from 1131 to 1192cc and horsepower increased to 36 allowing the car to cruise at a higher top speed. Annual changes were just the beginning. The one millionth Beetle was built in 1955 and Volkswagen was exporting in almost eighty countries. By 1956, VW accounted for 65% of all imported cars in the United States and sold over 50,000 in 1957. VW's advertisements and brochures of the 1950s really emphasized the car's curves and lines promoting the idea that it's European styling was "attractive and state of the art".
"There is no longer any doubt about it," said Road & Track in October 1956. "Dr. Ferdinand Porsche's little 'people's car' has done what no other [import] has ever been able to do: it has gained an unmistakable wheel-hold in the garages and hearts of the American car-buying public . . . . The only mystery is: how did it happen? Especially with practically no national advertising? Of the various explanations, probably the simplest is that the Volkswagen fulfills a need which Detroit had forgotten . . . a car that is cheap to buy and run, small and compact, light and maneuverable yet solidly constructed, and perhaps above all, utterly dependable and trouble-free."
The fifties oval era Beetle has been a very sought after VW in the recent years.
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