Fantasy Junction

Description

1959 Volkswagen DeLuxe Sunroof Sedan

Chassis Number – 2409294
Engine Number – 2939770
Exterior Color – Mignonette Green
Interior Color – Grey and Dark Green
Engine Type – Air-cooled 4-cylinder
Gearbox –4-Speed manual transaxle
Current Mileage –4,027 (TMU)

Highlights of This Car

-Long-term original ownership with original purchase documentation

-VW Certificate confirming matching numbers and options

-Delivered with factory sunroof, fuel gauge, radio, whitewalls, and vent shades

-Three owners, the second-owner Bruce Weiner, Micro-Car Museum

Marque and Model History

The Volkswagen Beetle was a marvel of engineering and efficiency. Developed during the second world war, volume production began in earnest after allied forces had captured Germany and began rebuilding the German economy. Within the first five years of production hundreds of thousands of Beetles were delivered to Europeans eager to leave the war behind. By the late 1950s the engine horsepower had increased to a stout 36hp, and a few convenience amenities were added including a full length, fold back, sunroof offered as options. Although the first Beetle landed on US soil in 1949, in 1956 40,000 Beetles were sold in the US, with sales tripling that amount for sales in 1960.

History of this Car

According to documentation accompanying this car, this numbers matching VW Beetle was purchased brand new by the first owner, Maurice McGranahan of East Point, a suburb of Atlanta, GA. On June 25, 1959, McGranahan walked into Brundage Motors and purchased this Beetle for $1,881.21, in cash (purchase invoice included). Finished in Mignonette Green and optioned with a factory slide back fabric sunroof, the car was further optioned with leatherette interior, whitewall tires, radio, gas gauge, mirror, sun visor, and vent shades. The car was also fitted with M 350 US equipment which included MPH speedometer, two locking doors, sealed-beam headlamps, hazard warning system, without headlight flasher, laminated windscreen, ram protection, reverse light, drum brake, dual-circuit brake system, 6-volt system. Using it as his second car, McGranahan would drive the car regularly, remaining the sole owner until storing the car in 1982 in his family garage. The car would remain in storage until 1997 when it was removed and professionally restored to a high standard while still under the care of McGranahan. During the restoration, the body was stripped to bare metal and treated to DP Primer, PPG Delstar Acrylic Enamel paint, color sanded and finished using all PPG products. Upon completion, McGranahan entered his original-owner Beetle in numerous car shows, always returning home with a trophy. The second owner, Bruce Weiner, former owner, and proprietor of the Micro-Car Museum, in Madison, GA, purchased the car in 2014, eventually selling it to the current owner through RM auctions in 2018.

Under current ownership the car has been lightly used and stored indoors with mileage kept to a minimum to preserve the quality of the restoration. The VW certificate on hand confirms the option, US M 350 features, and that the engine in the car today is the matching number unit delivered new with this car.

General Overview

Today this VW Beetle presents beautifully with a cohesive restoration reflective of the time and dedication afforded by the original owner and his restoration team. In addition to being restored with original factory options, a set of period correct fog lamps, VW branded rear mudflaps, and a vintage style wood slat and tubular metal roof rack have been added.

VW Beetle restoration experts will appreciate the authenticity and quality of the finishes, the cleanliness of the interior, and the attention to detail even in the smallest areas. The exterior finish is glossy and smooth with excellent fit to the doors, hood, and front storage compartment. The wheels are finished with contrasting dark green and ivory painted steel rims, chrome wheel covers, and correct whitewall tires. The exterior trim is in excellent condition including the original Sekurit branded side and rear glass. Features of note include tubular overrider chrome plated bumpers, fog lamps mounted to the front bumper tubes, VW branded rear wheel mud flaps, and a luggage roof rack. The various rubber trim and details throughout the car are beautifully finished including correct headlight lenses, correct small front fender indicators, and correctly polished body trim. All windows function including the rotating side vent windows and smoothly cranking side glass. The interior continues the themes of restoration excellence with properly painted seat frames, correct two-tone leatherette upholstery, felt headliner for the sunroof and inner roof panels, and correct materials for the floor, doors, and side panels. The beautifully painted dashboard. steering wheel, and optional fuel gauge convey an unassuming elegance to this very desirable color palate. Under the engine lid, the matching numbers 36 hp engine has been restored to proper standards with correct features and finishes. The engine is stamped with a sequence number that corresponds to the certificate from VW confirming the matching numbers 1959 1200cc 36hp production engine. The underside of the car has been finished with equal attention to detail following closely the finishes and specifications for Type 1 Beetles when delivered new. Finishes are indicative of nominal miles driven since the restoration was completed.

The car starts reliably and settles into a smooth and resonant air-cooled idle. The gearbox operates easily through all gears, warm or cold. The clutch takes up nicely, throttle response is great, and the brakes bring the car down evenly from highway speeds. Overall, this VW Sunroof Beetle delivers a very pleasant driving experience consistent with the charm and simple elegance offered when new.

Included with this Car

This VW Beetle comes with the original instruction manual, the Brundage Motors, blue vinyl folio, the original service booklet with engine and chassis numbers on the warranty voucher service record tabs, a VW certificate verifying the options, matching engine, and US 350 Specifications. Also included is a set of tools in a tool roll, a spare gas can, and a battery tender. Original documents from the first owner purchase including the invoice, various original purchase documents, and a few receipts for general services in 2010 and 2012 are also included as part of the documentation verifying original ownership.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608