1952 Volkswagen Beetle Deluxe Split-Window Returns to BaT

A restored 1952 Volkswagen Beetle Deluxe Split-Window is back on Bring a Trailer, featuring a 1,131cc flat-four rebuild, sunroof retrofit, and 2025 service history.

The auction of a rare 1952 Volkswagen Beetle Deluxe Split-Window is underway on Bring a Trailer, spotlighting a car with early European origins and an extensive restoration history. Delivered new to Autola Oy in Helsinki, Finland, the Beetle carries a documented delivery date of May 21, 1952, confirmed by a Volkswagen Delivery Status Certificate. The car was imported to the United States in 2019, where a comprehensive refurbishment followed.

After its arrival stateside, the Beetle was fully dismantled. Replacement floor pans and various body panels were installed before the car was refinished in Azure Blue. One of the most discussed modifications is the addition of a retractable canvas sunroof, a feature added after the car left the factory. Period-style details include Albert side mirrors, 16-inch steel wheels with whitewall tires, semaphore turn indicators, and an auxiliary fuel tank.

The mechanical side received equal attention. The 1,131cc flat-four engine was overhauled, and in October 2025 it was removed and disassembled again for cylinder honing, valvetrain refurbishment, and replacement of piston rings, gaskets, and spark plugs. The split-case four-speed manual transaxle, typical of early Beetles, is said to have been rebuilt by Telly Carsten of Jet Performance.

Purchased by the current owner on Bring a Trailer in August 2025, the car subsequently benefited from more than $35,000 in additional work throughout the year. These efforts covered steering components, front and rear suspension, braking systems, lighting, and interior details. The cabin was refreshed with blue-gray cloth upholstery and square-weave carpeting, while the dashboard was removed to address wiring and horn repairs.

The five-digit odometer currently shows 92 kilometers, nearly all of which were accumulated under the present ownership, with the total mileage remaining unknown. Offered on consignment in Oregon by a BaT Local Partner, the Beetle is accompanied by 2025 service records and a Washington title branded as Antique with an additional “Other” designation.

Adding context to the listing is its recent auction history: the same car sold on Bring a Trailer in August 2025 for $56,500. With bidding presently tracking below that figure, the outcome of the current auction may provide insight into how the market values early Split-Window Beetles that combine extensive restoration work with visible modifications and ongoing debates over originality.