1959 Volkswagen Beetle

2dr Convertible

4-cyl. 1192cc/36hp 1bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$26,800*

+7.6%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph04/2407/2410/24$5k$10k$15k$20k$25kJan 2025

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1949-1967 Volkswagen Beetle stats
Highest sale
$126,500
Lowest sale
$530
Most recent sale
$9,607
Sales
1693

Photos

32 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
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Model overview

Model description

Volkswagen marked its 20-year anniversary by building 564,416 Beetle sedans and 10,991 cabriolets, while 88,857 Sedans and 4,180 Cabriolets were registered in the U.S. The company reported it had built 2.5 million vehicles, was the largest seller of imported cars in the U.S. and the fourth largest manufacturer in the world.

Numerous technical changes affected 1959 Volkswagen Beetles, starting in September 1958. The rear hood release was relocated nearer the steering column, the dash was padded and a grab handle added and the sun visors were now padded instead of plastic. Tie rods were evened in length for improved steering and the carburetor and distributor were improved. The four-speed gearbox now fully synchromesh and top speed was claimed to be 75 mph, along with 35-40 mpg. Motor Trend reported performance was modest, with 0-60 mph in 31.4 seconds and a quarter mile in 24.9 seconds at 51 mph. However, a Weber stroker kit slashed those figures to 17 seconds for 0-60 mph and 20.9 seconds for a quarter mile, at 58 mph.

Sedan colors and codes were Mignonette Green (L14), Black (L41), Jupiter Gray (L225), Diamond Gray (L243), Capri Blue (L335), Kalahari Beige (L343), Rush Green (L344), Garnet Red (L358) and Fjord Blue (L434). Sunroof colors were color coded to paint. Cloth/vinyl interior colors were Green Gray, Gray Green, Blue Gray, Blue, Medium Gray, Brown Gray, and Red Brown, available in various two-tones. Leatherette colors were Blue Gray, Red, Green Gray and Brown Gray. Headliners were Gray or Beige, carpets were Gray Black and rubber mats Gray or Black.

Cabriolet colors were Black (L41), Bamboo Green (L241), Inca Red (L258), Shetland Gray (L329), Pearl Blue (L333) and Alabaster Gray (L473). Cloth/vinyl interiors were Blue Gray/Red, Green Gray/Green, Light Beige, Green, Brown Gray/Light Beige, Blue Gray, Brown Gray/Light Brown. Leatherette colors were the same. Convertible tops were Light Gray, Black, Beige, Green and Brown. Headliners could be Light Gray or Beige, carpets were Gray or Honey Brown and rubber mats were Gray.

Vehicle specifications

  • Vehicle Length160.2 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches94.5 in
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Common Questions

The value of a 1959 Volkswagen Beetle can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $23,700 for a 1959 Volkswagen Beetle in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1959 Volkswagen Beetle at auction over the last three years was $50,400. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1959 Volkswagen Beetle at auction over the last three years was $12,100. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 8 1959 Volkswagen Beetles sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1959 Volkswagen Beetle was $49,875 on February 17, 2025 by Bring a Trailer.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.