An early ‘oval window’ example of the iconic German ‘people’s car’, which has previously been restored and boasts a number of cosmetic and performance-oriented modifications. Under the rear engine lid is a retrofitted and gently modified 2165cc ‘Type 1’ flat-four performance engine, fed by dual 44 IDF Weber carburettors and breathing through a stainless-steel exhaust system, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently displays 61,426 km, however this is not warranted. An original Australian-market example, this right-hand drive 1956 Volkswagen Beetle was acquired by its current owner in 1993 and was fully restored in 1998, before being re-registered in 2013. It has covered fewer than 9,000 kilometres since. This one-piece window Beetle has been refinished in the handsome hue of Dark Blue metallic, while its cabin is trimmed in light grey and ivory. A bespoke example of an air-cooled ‘oval window’ 1956 Beetle, this car has been carefully enhanced with a blend of period parts and modern performance parts, and all components used in its construction were either new or recommissioned at the time of fitting. Non-standard parts include auxiliary oil coilers, the Porsche alloy wheels, Koni suspension dampers, and ‘mild’ performance engine components including twin 44 IDF Weber carburettors, as well as a tubular stainless-steel exhaust system. It rides on a set of highly polished genuine Porsche Fuchs alloy wheels, measuring 15x6in at the front and with 16x7in deep dish rims at the rear, which are fitted with Michelin tyres all around, and secured with locking nuts. The braking system has been upgraded to vented VW discs up front with wider genuine German Type 3 rear drum brakes. Its chassis now features an adjustable link and pin front beam and inch dropped rear swing axle, with semi-solid transaxle brace at the rear. The car is also fitted with LED turn signals and flashing semaphores. It will be accompanied by a Volkswagen AG certificate nominating the VIN number and delivery date to Australia as 1 October 1956. It also comes with receipts for parts and work completed, as well as photos of the restoration and upgrade programme; along with two sets of keys, a space saver spare wheel, locking wheel nuts, and spare 12V semaphore indicator for parts. The car was restored in 1998. There has been no known damage since that restoration, and no accident history since it was re-registered in 2013. At the completion of the paint restoration, the car was finished with a Glasurit automotive refinishing coating and the car was carefully garaged whenever not in use. Today, the Dark Blue metallic paintwork remains in great shape, with only a few minor stone chips around on the front valance, as well as a thin scratch on the passenger-side rear guard, and a superficial 5cm-long area of corrosion beside the rubber bonnet seal. The interior presents very well and is free of any signs of wear or fading, though there is a small mark on the passenger-side of the dash panel. The headliner is also in excellent condition, and while an edge strip has come loose on its front-left corner, the vendor will repair this before the car is handed over to its next owner. The seller notes that the turn indicator stalk on the steering column does not automatically cancel after turning right, but there are no other known electrical issues, nor problems with the controls or instruments. There are no known mechanical or suspension issues, and there are no reported oil leaks from the engine or gearbox. The car’s last roadworthiness test was a routine New South Wales pink slip inspection, which was carried out in August 2021 and resulted in a clean pass. This Beetle’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out on 22 February 2022 at 61,321 km by Custom Bugs and Buses, Penrith. During the service, the twin 44IDF Weber carburettors were balanced and adjusted, and the plugs were checked. An annual service was completed in 2021, which involved adjusting the tappets and timing, as well as refreshing the oil. Prior to this, an annual service was performed in 2019, when various adjustments were made and the installation of the twin Weber carburettors was inspected. The vendor also notes that the oil has been changed every six months, regardless of the car’s use or mileage. Other recent maintenance has included greasing the front beam and changing the remote oil filter. Earlier this year the fuel filter, facet fuel pump, and fuel lines were replaced. This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle ‘oval window’ is a beautifully restored and discerningly modified example of the undeniable automotive icon. Offered by its owner of the past 29 years, this unique Beetle has been well cared-for and enjoyed as intended, and will no doubt make a fine companion to its next custodian. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.