1952 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
Value Graph07/2410/2401/25$20k$40kApr 2025

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1949-1967 Volkswagen Beetle stats
Highest sale
$154,646 CAD
Lowest sale
$747 CAD
Most recent sale
$36,939 CAD
Sales
1720

Photos

32 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1949 Volkswagen Beetle 2dr Split-Window Sedan Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
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Model overview

Model description

Volkswagen increased production in 1952, totalling 114,348 vehicles, though only 601 sales were registered in the U.S. Most were 1952 Type 1 Beetles with a handful of cabriolets and the new Type 2 Transporter. Upgrades and running changes continued, with stronger jacking points and vent windows from October that year. The hydraulic brake reservoir was improved, and the park lights received their own electrical circuit. A Klettermaxe jack was added to the toolkit in March and double valve springs were replaced by single ones. A more accurate clutch cable lever was developed.

Prices increased again for the 1952 Volkswagen Beetle. The standard two-door sedan cost $1395, the DeLuxe Sedan was $1595, the Sunroof Sedan $1667 and the Cabriolet jumped to $2395. The same 15 exterior colors were available as in 1951. Interior colors, materials, carpets and rubber mats were keyed to exterior paint and remained the same.

Volkswagen planned to build 160,000 cars in 1953 and had already dispatched more than 250,000 cars to 83 separate countries. The first obvious change would occur midway through 1953 with the adoption of a one-piece oval rear windows but gradual changes meant that early cars were a mixture of parts.

The gearbox now had synchromesh on the top three gears. Rear torsion bars were reduced in thickness and wider wheels were fitted, along with smaller brake cylinders. Vent windows had been introduced in mid-1952 and window cranks were modified for fewer turns to lower the windows.

The rear deck also now had a T-handle instead of a vertical one and the rear lights had top lenses for brake lights. The glove box had a push button to latch it, and the improved dash continued with a bigger speedometer, big chrome central grille, and 2-spoke steering wheel. The turn signal lever was on the left of the wheel and both headlight and wiper switches were now push-pull design. An oil bath air filter was fitted, and engine valve clearances reduced.

Vehicle specifications

  • Vehicle Length160 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches94.5 in
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Common Questions

The value of a 1952 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 1952 Volkswagen Beetle in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1952 Volkswagen Beetle at auction over the last three years was $97,017 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 1952 Volkswagen Beetle at auction over the last three years was $52,626 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 5 1952 Volkswagen Beetles sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1952 Volkswagen Beetle was $57,985 CAD on April 24, 2025 by Barrett-Jackson.

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.

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.