All prices shown here are representative of stock condition vehicles only and based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. Value adjustments for optional equipment are in U.S. dollars. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.CA/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of the Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
1951 Volkswagen Beetle
2dr Split-Window Sedan
4-cyl. 1131cc/25hp 1bbl
#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good
$54,800 CAD*
+11.4%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Apr 2025
Let us watch the market for you
We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Sign up for alerts and we'll notify you about value changes for the cars you love.
Photos
32 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.
Past sales
Insurance
Protect your 1951 Volkswagen Beetle from the unexpected.
Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Online quotes are fast and easy
More 1951 Volkswagen Beetle values
Model overview
Model description
Ferdinand Porsche died in 1951 at age 75, but Volkswagen continued to grow, selling 93,709 cars that year. The Beetle still looked the same, but 24 improvements were made that year. There were air vents between the front fenders and doors, and the dashboard was finally updated from the 1938 prototype with a two-spoked cream-colored wheel, bright metal central grille and right-side locking glovebox, while a fancy Wolfsburg crest was added to the hood of Export Sedans.
Mechanically, the magnesium-aluminum engine case was replaced with electron alloy. The generator improved, as did the heater and its controls. Cabriolets received hidden door hinges and door pockets.
The 1951 Volkswagen Beetle standard two-door sedan cost $1295, the DeLuxe Sedan was $1480, Sunroof Sedan $1550 and the Cabriolet jumped to $2296. A total of 15 exterior colors were available: Pastel Green (L11), Medium Green (L13), Reseda Green (L14), Pearl Gray (L21), Silver Gray (L23), Dove Blue (L31), Dark Blue (L32), Azure Blue (L36), Medium Blue (L37), Black (L41), Maroon Red (L55), Medium Brown (L70), Chestnut Brown (L73), Pearl White (L87) and Sand Beige (L90). Interior colors were keyed to exterior paint. Standard interior was Beige cloth, while optional interiors were Beige leatherette or Red Beige leatherette. Headliner was Beige or Gray and carpets Gray-Beige or Honey Brown, and rubber mats were Beige or Black.
The 1951 Beetle Cabriolets were built by Karmann in 1951/52. Colors were Atlantic Green (L19), Dove Blue (L31), Black (L41), Poppy Red (L54), Ivory (L60), Medium Brown (L70), Beige (L71) and Parchment White (L81). Convertible tops were Black, Gray, Green, Blue, Beige or Brown. Cloth interiors were Beige and leatherette were Beige or Red Beige. Carpet was Gray or Brown and mats were Black.
Vehicle specifications
- Shipping Weight1600 lbs
- Vehicle Length160 in
- Wheelbase - Inches94.5 in
Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
Common Questions
The value of a 1951 Volkswagen Beetle can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $48,150 USD for a 1951 Volkswagen Beetle in good condition with average spec.
The highest selling price of a 1951 Volkswagen Beetle at auction over the last three years was $90,512 CAD. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.
The lowest selling price of a 1951 Volkswagen Beetle at auction over the last three years was $32,283 CAD. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.
In the last three years there have been 7 1951 Volkswagen Beetles sold at public auction.
The most recent auction sale of a 1951 Volkswagen Beetle was $75,926 CAD on December 23, 2024 by Bring a Trailer.
Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.
Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.
Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.
The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.