1954 Volkswagen Beetle

2dr Oval-Window Sedan

4-cyl. 1192cc/30hp 1bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$41,200 CAD*

+13.5%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph04/2407/2410/24$10k$20k$30k$40kJan 2025

Forecasted valuesBeta

We have forecasted how much values for the 1949-1967 Volkswagen Beetle will change over the next year.
Unlock this insight by joining Hagerty Drivers Club.

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.

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.
insurance

Protect your 1954 Volkswagen Beetle from the unexpected.

Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Online quotes are fast and easy

Model overview

Model description

By 1954 Volkswagen production was picking up speed, and 202,174 cars were sold worldwide, with 197,620 sedans and 4554 cabriolets. U.S. buyers purchased 6344 cars. Finally, the semaphore arm turn signals were consigned to history in the U.S. and the Beetle received flashing turn signals. An oil-bath air cleaner was fitted to the carburetor, heater vents were increased in size and the 6-volt generator raised from 130 watts to 160. Road & Track magazine, while generally favorable, did warn about “alarming” oversteer, which would haunt the Chevrolet Corvair later. Volkswagen added twin sun visors and a passenger grab handle. Wipers were silver painted instead of chrome.

The standard 1954 Volkswagen Beetle’s price jumped to $1395, but other models were reduced. The Deluxe was now cost $1495, the Sunroof Sedan $1575, and the Cabriolet price was slashed to $1995. Paint options in 1954 were reduced to seven choices: Black (L41), Iceland Green (L213), Jupiter Gray (L225) and only on the Standard model, Strato Silver (L227), Texas Brown (L271), Light Beige (L275), and Ultramaroon (L276). Cloth interiors were now Beige, Green, Gray or Slate Blue. Leatherette interiors were a combination of Beige and Red Beige, Green Beige, or Black. Headliners were still Beige or Gray and carpets could be Gray Beige, Gray Blue or Honey Brown, depending on body color. Rubber mats were Black, as always.

Cabriolet colors for 1954 models changed in February 1955. Until then they were Black (L41), Poppy Red (L54), Parchment White (L81), Beige Green (L210), Congo Green (L219), Iris Blue (L232), Light Beige (L275) and Dolomite (L279). Top colors were Gray, Beige, Black, Green, Blue or Brown depending on paint color. Cloth interiors were Beige, Brown Gray or Blue and leatherette was Beige, Red Beige, Dark red, Black, Green, Green Beige Blue and Gray, in various combinations. Carpets were Brown or Beige.

Vehicle specifications

  • Vehicle Length160.2 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches94.5 in
Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
Classic car

Common Questions

The value of a 1954 Volkswagen Beetle can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $23,400 USD for a 1954 Volkswagen Beetle in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1954 Volkswagen Beetle at auction over the last three years was $57,323 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 1954 Volkswagen Beetle at auction over the last three years was $21,554 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 1954 Volkswagen Beetles sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1954 Volkswagen Beetle was $46,303 CAD on July 26, 2024 by GAA Classic Cars.

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, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.