1957
Now
registered as XSL 841, this '57 is yet another vintage VW that has found its
way across the channel from Sweden. The car is original, apart from the odd
bit of 'spray' work to counteract the ravages of the odd parking knock. The
car is finished in Horizon Blue, L331, a shade introduced by VW in April 1956
and deleted in July 1957, to coincide with the end of 'Oval' production at
Wolfsburg. Unlike earlier oval-window models, this car features a new style
of rear valance to accommodate twin tailpipes, a redesigned fuel tank allowing
additional storage capacity in the boot, rear light clusters sat some 60mm
higher than previously on the wings, a 'cranked' gearlever and, amongst other
modifications, more secure quarter-light catches. James Cook, who intends
to use it as a daily driver, whilst also sympathetically renovating it to
its original condition, currently owns the car. (Ken Cservenka photographed
it in Worcestershire for a forthcoming feature in VW Motoring)
1958
Martin Roberts is
a glutton for punishment. Having completed the restoration of his 1958 Diamond
Grey, L243 Deluxe, he vowed he wouldn't do another.
Allegedly
his latest project will be ready shortly! To a percentage of Vintage VW enthusiasts
the world came to an end when the last 'Oval' rolled off the assembly line
before the factory holiday at the end of July 1957. The new '58 model was
noticeable for the vast increase in size of the rear window (95%) and the
windscreen (17%). Gone was the shapely engine compartment cover, while inside
a totally new dashboard transformed the car's appearance. Nevertheless, post
'57s are sought after by many an enthusiast and rightly represent a good percentage
of articles in the various magazines. Although this '58 looked somewhat worse
for wear when Martin bought it and sported a number of features that were
totally incorrect for the year, it was basically sound. Amazingly, the upholstery
was entirely serviceable and without work looks virtually brand-new. Since
the restoration was completed, Martin has shown the car at many of the shows
and collected the trophies to prove his attendance. In 1999 he took the car
to Bad Camberg and back without any problems. (Featured in the former Vintage
Volkswagen and is the cover 'star' of VW Beetle, the Car of the 20th Century)