1961 stale air 40 hp. How much is it worth?

[VWAdam]

My dad has, in his 1961 Beetle, the original stale air 40hp engine. He is not going to use it (needs more power), I know, I know, but it is not mine. The engine runs great and is complete. It even has the sticker on the air cleaner! I told him that someone who is restoring a '61 might want this, it is going to do anyone any good collecting dust. How much is it worth?

[The Gooch]

40hp's definately don't fetch as much as a 36, or 25hp's, but it might be worth some good money if sold to the right person. You might be able to get around $500 if it is original, complete, and runs well. I'd be suprised if you got much more than that.

If this is the original engine, I suggest keeping it hidden away somewhere. If you decide to sell or restore it later, it will be beneficial to have the original engine with matching numbers.

[Anti-]

Strongly agree with The Gooch. Stash it.

Better yet, tell your dad to get online and find a 40hp Judson supercharger for the original engine. It'll be good for another 10-15 hp and he'll be increasing the car's value significantly instead of devaluing it.

[VWAdam]

He wants big power. I think at least I will keep it. He isn't doing any wild mods, just engine, wheels, maybe slight front lowering. So it could be brought back to stock easy. He's even going to repaint it the original color (Ruby Red).