1954 Oval Ragtop

Here is the heart of the Oval: a powerful 36hp vintage Okrasa engine! This engine is based on the Porsche Pre-A models and incorporates several Porsche components, including a camshaft, crankshaft, pulley, and original Pre-A Solex 32 PBIC carburetors. The engine features a correctly dated case along with a converted 90mm generator from 1954. It also includes the appropriate fuel pump, a Bosch 010 distributor, and an Abarth dual-tipped performance exhaust. Power is transferred to the ground through a 54-dated split-case transaxle, maintaining the car's originality.

Moving to the front of the car, the trunk may not seem like a very interesting topic, but it is important nonetheless. It includes the appropriate "bread box" fuel tank, along with a NOS 12V Eberspächer gas heater connected to the top of the tank.

Stepping inside, the Oval's beautiful, elegant interior is revealed. It features a fully restored original batwing steering wheel and a correct straight-shift gearshift. You'll also find an original Dehne fuel tank gauge with the accompanying Dehne ashtray light. There is an original Blaupunkt radio converted to Bluetooth, a VDO tachometer, a restored 1954-dated speedometer, and, to top it all off, an SWF lighted semaphore switch.

Here is a beautiful cloth interior featuring the correct seat frames, a mohair headliner, and a German square weave carpet kit. Additionally, the radio system is cleverly hidden in vintage Samsonite suitcases. The setup includes four speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer in the rear, allowing you to truly enjoy your favorite music.

Strato Silver is widely regarded as one of the best colors that Volkswagen used for their oval window models, and for good reason—it's truly a jaw-dropping color! In addition to its stunning appearance, the car boasts all the features of a pre-1955 oval window, including original heart taillights, an early decklid, and a three-fold ragtop with the specific original Volkswagen stamped roof rack. 

On my roof rack, I carry a Royal Crown Cola cooler from the same era as the car. I also have original Utah license plates, complete with an RC Cola plate topper. The mud flaps on the car are original NOS Chevron Wegu branded mud flaps that could have been purchased at a dealership. Additionally, the front of the car is equipped with a NOS Hirschmann antenna that has a red tip.

The Oval Window Beetle is known for its elegance, beauty, character, and raw simplicity. Every interior detail was thoughtfully designed and executed to the highest standard that Volkswagen could achieve at the time. The car's mechanical features are rugged and reliable, powered by a modest 36hp engine paired with a split-case 4-speed transaxle and a torsion leaf front kingpin suspension. While it may not seem like much, this little car was incredibly capable and could easily handle the demands placed on it. Many people, myself included, appreciate the simplistic and elegant design of the early Oval Windows. They truly are something spectacular.