Volkswagen Beetle “Zwitter” 1100 De Luxe

The Volkswagen Beetle "Zwitter" 1100 De Luxe is one of the most sought-after and historically significant Beetles ever produced. Built only during a short transitional production period from October 1952 to March 1953, the Zwitter combines the iconic split rear window with the modern dashboard introduced for the 1953 model year. This unique combination of early and later Beetle features has made the Zwitter one of the most desirable models among Volkswagen collectors.

It is estimated that fewer than 58 000 Zwitter Beetles were produced during this six-month production run. The Zwitter chassis range is estimated to span from 1-0397023 to 1-0454950, and this car, with chassis number 1-0446031, is an authentic late-production example from this exclusive series.

According to TheSamba. com production records, this Beetle was manufactured in February 1953. Interestingly, the Finnish National Archives show that it was first registered in late 1952, most likely due to taxation or import procedures at the time. The car was originally sold new in Central Finland, where it has remained throughout its known history.

In 1988, the previous owner purchased the car in Toivakka, Central Finland. It was inspected at that time and then carefully placed into storage, remaining untouched for more than three decades. In December 2022, The current owner purchased the Beetle just two kilometers from his home, where it had been preserved in a cool, dry warehouse.

The restoration began in January 2023 with a complete nut-and-bolt disassembly. The body was carefully blasted to bare metal using crushed glass media without generating heat, preserving the integrity of the original steel, and immediately protected with epoxy primer. The chassis was sandblasted and coated with protective paint. Any rusted components were replaced with new parts, while repaired sections were professionally welded and finished using traditional chemical body solder.

The bodywork, priming, and final paint were carried out by a professional painter using the original factory color, L41 Black, faithfully returning the car to its original appearance. The interior was professionally reupholstered using authentic materials, including traditional hay padding, to replicate the original factory construction.

Mechanically, the car has been restored to an equally high standard. The gearbox was completely dismantled, inspected, and serviced. The original 25 hp, 1131 cc engine has been fully rebuilt to as-new condition. The engine case was inspected, the crankshaft professionally reground, and the cylinder heads fully reconditioned for reliable operation on modern unleaded fuel. All other engine components are new, including original-specification 75 mm cylinders and pistons, retaining the original displacement of 1131 cc. The engine is currently undergoing its careful break-in period.

The completed restoration has been inspected by Classic Data and awarded their highest rating, Condition Class 1, with particular praise for its outstanding quality and suitability for museum registration.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptionally well restored Volkswagen Zwitter Beetle with continuous Finnish history, restored with great respect for originality and authenticity. Its documented provenance, correct chassis number within the Zwitter production range, and concours-level restoration make it equally suited for the finest private collections or prestigious concours events.

Info

Model: Beetle “Zwitter” 1100 De Luxe

Year: 1952

Mileage: 23 443 km

Engine: Air-cooled, naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder "boxer", displacement: 1, 131 cc

Transmission: 4-speed manual transmission

Wheels: 15-inch, moon-style hubcap with embossed VW logo

Color: L41 Black

Interior: Striped-cloth upholstery finished in grey. Brown piping details

For further details and an extended photo gallery, video and restauration images of this exceptional vehicle, please do not hesitate to contact us. To truly appreciate its wonderful condition, it must be experienced in person.