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1st place show winner!! 1952 Karmann Kabriolett, Impeccable with Traditional Cal Styling! This absolutely gorgeous early 1952 crotch cooler and dual glove box Split Window Beetle Convertible represents 1 of the 132 1949 through early 1952 Karmann Kabrioletts known to exist in the World today. First generation Split Convertibles are highly sought after and are actually more rare than the legendary coachbuilt Hebmuller. It can truly be stated that these highly coveted cars reside at the top of the food chain of collectible Vintage Volkswagens. This very car was previously part of the prestigious Flat 4 Collection of Japan. A close inspection of this 3-time international magazine cover and feature article Kabriolett will show that is is not only a gem but it is tastefully dressed with some of the most rare, valuable, and exotic vintage accessories that can be found. The seemingly endless list of rare features and cool items found on this car include original crotch coolers, correct restored Split Convertible rear view mirror assembly with incredibly rare Kienzle clock and rarest of the rare passengers mirror extention and visor, dual accessory glove box doors with integral telescoping VW ashtray and VDO clock, Koch's restored Petri Banjo spoke steering wheel with full circle horn ring and sun and moon button, fully restored by Gary Constantine of Brezelwerks Telefunken Lightning Bolt radio and matching red jewel-tipped Telefunken cowl mounted antenna with badge, restored original Kruiser accelerator pedal, Kamei accessory high beam pedal, original VW fuel reserve extension, original VW "toilet bowl" gear shift lock, gear shift ashtray, and a dash mounted "flushing" ashtray as well. The bodies fit and finish are second to none having been expertly refreshed by the professionals at West Coast Classics Restorations in Fullerton, California. The paint is an absolute breath-taking mirror and is likely be found more impressive in person than what pictures can communicate. All of the body components are correct, mega rare popes nose convertible W decklid, early pre vent wing ribbed convertible doors, round horn grilled front fenders, dimpled rear split fenders, no cut out rear H apron, correct hood, ribbed split trim, perfectly restored grooved bumpers, European symmetrically fluted headlights, rarest of the rare restored boxed ribbed convertible semaphores, early Karmann badge, polished aluminum hood handle, correct L decklid handle, mint restored original split taillights, solid aluminum hood badge, round shaft split wipers, and so much more. All rubber has been replaced and the pan was detailed and powdercoated and is as nice as can be. The interior has equally been refreshed to the highest standard featuring the best quality and most authentic materials available. Lenny Copp and his crew are arguably the most skilled and knowledgeable early VW interior specialists in the World and this early Convertible is testimony to their ability. Correct square seats have been restored with correct tan leatherette, new mohair headliner, German square weave carpet with correct round aluminum heater grills, crotch cooler cutouts, all as nice as can be. The correct ribbed door handles, window winders, straight shifter, H marked heater knob, tan ribbed rubber floor mats, etc. are all present and in fantastic condition. Mechanically this 1952 is equally stacked with wow factor and features a beautiful and correctly restored 25hp engine with a very exotic period-correct German Autotechnik "Express" dual carb kit with dual "Cyklon" air filters straight from vintage engine specialist Mr. Okrasa, Joe Ruiz. Correct components include seamed fan shroud, flat cap Bosch distributor with early braided cloth bound wires, flat top fuel pump, Bosch D regulator, split generator with vented band, correct thin lipped pullies with thick nut, early 25hp acorn style oil filler, screw connector oil pressure switch, single tipped muffler, and so much more! The correct full crashbox transaxle was rebuilt by Rancho Transaxles of Fullerton. Suspension and brakes were custom built by Russel of Old Speed and incorporate a one-off narrowed beam with dropped spindles and Karmann Ghia disc brakes for extra stopping power. The wheels are genuine Porsche Fuch's "Earlies" with 15 by 4.5" crabs up front and 15 by 6" out back. They were fully chromed and paint detailed along with the center caps by early alloy specialist Al Reed. All of the suspension modifications are fully reversible with the installation of the stock front beam, returning the rear spring plates to their original position, and reinstalling the original brake assemblies in the event that were a concern at some point. This Kabriolett is fully road proven and is an absolute pleasure to drive with all systems fully dialed-in by experts. This can truly be viewed as an opportunity to own such a special and legendary Split Convertible Beetle. The number of exceptional examples in or near this condition is very small with most changing hands "behind the scenes" from one collector to another never actually being available on the open market. Rest assured that the financial, energy, knowledge, and time investment to recreate a first generation Kabriolett of this level would be staggering, especially when you consider the added value of the mind-blowing and incredibly valuable period accessories that adorn this 1952. Here is your chance to step to the top and own the pinnacle of collectible Vintage Volkswagen Karmann Kabriolets... $ 120,000.00
West Coast Classic Restoration
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Lenny