Volkswagen Beetle/Karmann 1954-1980 - 2021 Market Review

By: Cliff Chambers

Date: 01.02.2022

2021 Market Review - Volkswagen Beetle/Karmann 1954-1980

Old Beetles, so it seems, never die they just keep getting rebuilt into something more enduring.

| Buyer's Guide: VW Superbug 1600

Few models can claim the same levels of survival as early Volkswagens, yet even with plenty available, the values of 1950s-70s cars continue to increase. Very early split and oval rear window Beetles have become expensive - over $50K for a pre-1954 ‘splittie’ - and no longer practical for frequent use.

Later Beetles, especially the Superbugs, cost less than $20,000 and certainly can earn their keep as regular transport. Karmann-bodied VWs and their derivatives can get expensive, especially Type 1 K-G Cabrios that will be ex-USA arrivals.

Based on their US values, these cars are headed for $100,000, with 1960s Cabriolet Beetles not far behind. Don’t confuse a genuine Karmann-bodied car with cheap local chop-tops.

1954-57 Beetle $37,000 [5]

1958-67 Beetle $34,025 [25]

1968-73 Beetle $23,730 [17]

1971-76 Superbug 1600 $17,045 [9]

Karmann Cabrio 1962-80 $38,990 [5]

Karmann-Ghia T1 Coupe $44,800 [8]

Karmann-Ghia T1 Cabrio $69,850 [4]

[*] = number of recorded sales

(Note: concours & special cars may demand more.)

Numbers from our 2021 European & British Value Guide.

| 2019 Market Review: VW Beetle/Karmann 1954-1980

| Read next: Understanding our value guides

From Unique Cars #456, Aug 2021

Unique Cars magazine Value Guides

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