1959 Volkswagen Beutler 1.2
The rare, coachbuilt 1959 Volkswagen Beutler 1.2 coupe showcases a fascinating intersection of mass production and custom artistry.
Coachbuilding involves taking a volume-produced automobile then fitting a specialized, handmade body on top – in this case, Swiss designer Beutler acquiring a VW Beetle chassis to create something unique.
While retaining the trusty 1.2 liter engine and mechanicals of the iconic Beetle, Beutler crafted a streamlined, aluminum body with stylized rear wings that stood out from the source material.
The coachbuilt final product measured 4.35 meters long and 1.59 meters wide – significantly larger than the Beetle’s undersized 4.07 meter by 1.54 meter frame. Despite the 40 kg weight gain, the car ended up with better handling due to its lower center of gravity and improved aerodynamics.
Unfortunately the same paltry 31 horsepower engine lay underneath that one-of-a-kind exterior, leaving the injection of Swiss styling rather faster than the car itself.
But what the Beutler 1.2 gave up in pace, it made up in exclusivity and individuality. Only 28 examples exist, making the model extremely rare.
The golden age of auto coachbuilding prized uniqueness over conformity, and valued customized style as much as raw speed. The 1959 VW Beutler 1.2 stands as a distinctive emblem of that bygone era today.
Its rarity and meticulous craftsmanship have cemented its status as a prized collector’s item worldwide.
Credit: Bonhams|Cars
