TheSamba.com :: View topic - new addition, popular mechanics 55 3 fold

Sun Mar 07, 2010 7:15 am

that's the nickname Cameron gave it, since the original owner must have purchased or fabbed up many things on this car based on the how to articles....

Saw the ad pop up on craigslist and based on his description and price I was going to buy it for the roof (was going to put it in my 53) and some other parts I needed. Once I looked at the car and realized its straight, the rust is minimal for the year, its has all of its original sheet metal, that's right ALL the fenders and lids are from this car, and its original paint (except some old man touch ups)

I found the original upholstery under the covers, unfortunately the door panels were tossed.

I purchased this car from the second owner that did nothing but take the fenders off and toss the door panels, he almost tossed the fenders.

the original owner upgraded the trans and engine, added a funky rear sway bar, I guess it easier to say what its missing than what it has. missing taillights, correct engine/trans and the ashtray..... here are pics from the day it was picked up from the original owners family.

Sun Mar 07, 2010 8:21 am

it looks like Nov '54 production 1-0745XXX -747XXX for the US/Canadian market, as it has the one month only speedo with the reversed idiot lights.

Sun Mar 07, 2010 8:49 am

janerick3 wrote: it looks like Nov '54 production 1-0745XXX -747XXX for the US/Canadian market, as it has the one month only speedo with the reversed idiot lights.
bingo, chassis nov 54, body oct 54 The weird part is that the over rider holes appear somewhat punched, but its so hard to tell since the original owner upgraded all the time. Looking inside the rear fenders you can see it had the og 4 holes, then snowflakes then the late lights put on...

chassis 749800

body 665249

Sun Mar 07, 2010 9:50 am

You beat me to it John. :evil: You got a good deal for sure. Any info on where it was originally purchased? The only dealership in '54 was Seattle Sport Car on Empire Way. Thats where my '54 was delivered to.
Congratulations!

Sun Mar 07, 2010 1:27 pm

very cool looking car

Sun Mar 07, 2010 1:55 pm

joe h. wrote: You beat me to it John. :evil: You got a good deal for sure. Any info on where it was originally purchased? The only dealership in '54 was Seattle Sport Car on Empire Way. Thats where my '54 was delivered to.
Congratulations!

the original owners family said the car was purchased new at evergreen motors

Sun Mar 07, 2010 2:01 pm

that car is nuts don't change a thing.what is up with the center console?

Sun Mar 07, 2010 2:03 pm

vintage vee dub wrote: janerick3 wrote: it looks like Nov '54 production 1-0745XXX -747XXX for the US/Canadian market, as it has the one month only speedo with the reversed idiot lights.
bingo, chassis nov 54, body oct 54 The weird part is that the over rider holes appear somewhat punched, but its so hard to tell since the original owner upgraded all the time. Looking inside the rear fenders you can see it had the og 4 holes, then snowflakes then the late lights put on...

chassis 749800

body 665249

Double-check the chassis number before you submit the title paperwork--I'll bet it's 746800--the 749XXX chassis numbers were allocated to Karmann.

My '54 is 7464XX with body number 665557.

Sun Mar 07, 2010 3:35 pm

janerick3 wrote: vintage vee dub wrote: janerick3 wrote: it looks like Nov '54 production 1-0745XXX -747XXX for the US/Canadian market, as it has the one month only speedo with the reversed idiot lights.
bingo, chassis nov 54, body oct 54 The weird part is that the over rider holes appear somewhat punched, but its so hard to tell since the original owner upgraded all the time. Looking inside the rear fenders you can see it had the og 4 holes, then snowflakes then the late lights put on...

chassis 749800

body 665249

Double-check the chassis number before you submit the title paperwork--I'll bet it's 746800--the 749XXX chassis numbers were allocated to Karmann.

My '54 is 7464XX with body number 665557.

allready did, title checked to chassis and tag prior to money changing hands

Sun Mar 07, 2010 10:22 pm

What's all that nonsense in the center?

Mon Mar 08, 2010 2:29 am

PartsPimpin wrote: What's all that nonsense in the center?

Flux capacitor?
Nice project BTW!

Mon Mar 08, 2010 7:19 am

PartsPimpin wrote: What's all that nonsense in the center?

vaccum gauge for maximum performance! LOL

Wed Mar 10, 2010 1:51 pm

Are you going to have this at the Shop on Saturday John?

Wed Mar 10, 2010 3:51 pm

PatterBon wrote: Are you going to have this at the Shop on Saturday John?

yup

Wed Mar 10, 2010 10:16 pm

Sweet! So is the plan for the '53 staying the same? Or are you going to focus more on the '59 and now the new '55?..I'm stoked to come and see it! :)

Thu Mar 11, 2010 6:22 am

PatterBon wrote: Sweet! So is the plan for the '53 staying the same? Or are you going to focus more on the '59 and now the new '55?..I'm stoked to come and see it! :)

nope the 53 is up for sale, just the 59 and the 55 are staying.

Thu Mar 11, 2010 4:26 pm

Looks like they moved the ash tray?

slow36hp wrote: that car is nuts don't change a thing.what is up with the center console?

Thu Mar 11, 2010 4:47 pm

kdf38@netzero.net wrote: Looks like they moved the ash tray?

slow36hp wrote: that car is nuts don't change a thing.what is up with the center console?

yea the old man cut a section from a later car and put a bracket on to hold it under the dash, he was crafty HAHA

Tue Apr 20, 2010 8:28 pm

The beauty of an engine to match a beauty of a car..it was a blast seeing it moving under its own power :D

Wed Apr 21, 2010 9:38 am

Well Justin now you can say you have been for a ride in a 3 fold oval!