1955 Volkswagen Beetle 1 / 15
Featured Build ★★★★★ 1,200 hrs
15 Photos
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15 Photos 360° View Video Walkaround Cold Start Dyno Run
1955 One-of-a-Kind Verified

Volkswagen Beetle Desconocido · Sedan

A custom 1955 Volkswagen Baja Bug finished in deep red with off-road styling, oversized tires, raised suspension, and rugged Baja fenders. Built for adventure, it combines classic vintage Volkswagen charm with aggressive desert-ready performance and a distinctive handcrafted look.

$
⭐ 4.9 · 142 reviews · Featured Build
✓ Perfect for
  • Show-quality collectors
  • Air‑cooled purists
  • Documentation lovers
✗ Not for
  • Daily commuting
  • Budget buyers
  • Family haulers
Customize This Car!
Mileage1,247 mi
Horsepower185 HP
TransmissionAutomatic
Why This Volkswagen Beetle

Why this Volkswagen is special

The customer now understands why it costs six figures.

Rust Free · California Car
7 Year Restoration
Desconocido Jake Raby Engine
Featured in VW Trends
Best Custom Beetle Winner
1,200 Hour Build
Complete Documentation
Compression Tested
Dyno Tested
Matching VIN · Original Chassis

The engine was built by renowned mechanic Jake Raby, the paint applied by Vintage Autohaus…

The Story

The story behind this Beetle

Every car has a soul. Here's the journey of this one.

1955 Volkswagen Beetle

Originally sold in California in 1955, this Beetle spent its early years as a sunny-day cruiser. In 2015, it was purchased by a master builder who envisioned a concours-quality restomod.

Over seven years, the car was stripped to bare metal, the chassis reinforced, and every component either restored or upgraded. The engine was built by renowned mechanic Jake Raby, the paint applied by Vintage Autohaus, and the interior stitched by Classic Leather Works.

Featured in VW Trends Magazine (2023) and winner of Best Custom Beetle at the 2024 SoCal VW Classic.

Build Timeline

The journey of a masterpiece

Seven years of craftsmanship, documented every step of the way.

1955 Built 1955
2002 Purchased by builder
2003 Body removed
2004 Metal work completed
2005 Paint applied
2007 Engine built
2008 Dyno tuned
2009 Interior completed
2010 Completed
2011 For sale today
Cost Breakdown

What it cost to build

Full transparency on every dollar that went into this machine.

$18 500
Engine: UNKNOWN
$12 000
Paint: Guards Red · Ceramic
$5 000
Wheels: Custom Mags
$8 900
Interior: Porsche Recaro · VDO
$6 500
Suspension: Adjustable beam · Bilstein
$50 900
Estimated Build Cost
$
Selling Price
−$50 900
You Save
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How it stacks against rivals

Spec 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
Price$None
Horsepower—
Mileage0
Build Quality Score96/100
AI Expert

Ask The Volkswagen Expert

Instant, expert answers powered by Vochi's knowledge base. 2341 vehicles indexed.

Vochi AI · Volkswagen Specialist
Online · 2341 vehicles indexed
Hi! I know everything about this 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. Ask me about the engine, maintenance, cost, or anything else.
How much horsepower does it make?
This Desconocido stroker with FK89 cam and 48 IDA Webers produces 185 HP at the crank and 165 lb-ft of torque. It's dyno-tuned for pump gas and redlines at 7200 RPM.
🚗 Daily Driver? 💰 Maintenance Costs? ⚡ Horsepower? 🛡️ Insurance? ⛽ Pump Gas? 🔧 Reliable? ⚠️ Common Problems? 📊 Compare To Stock?
Runs on 91+ octane · 18 MPG combined
Oil change: 5W-30 · 3.5 qt · $85
Insurance estimate: $1 200/yr · Hagerty
Valve adjustment: every 3,000 mi · $280
Dyno sheet available · 185 HP / 165 lb-ft
Interactive Car

Click anything · AI explains it

Tap a part to learn more about what makes this Beetle special.

Click a hotspot →
🔧 Desconocido · Jake Raby
⛽ 48 IDA Webers
🛞 4-Wheel Disc
⚙️ Custom Mags
🔩 Bilstein · Adjustable
🔍 Selected Part
Engine
The Desconocido stroker engine was built by Jake Raby with an FK89 cam, 48 IDA Webers, and MSD ignition. It produces 185 HP and 165 lb-ft of torque on pump gas.
AI Inspection

Condition score: 96 / 100

AI-powered inspection with detailed reasoning behind every score.

Body
99
Paint
98
Engine
95
Transmission
98
Suspension
95
Interior
97
Electrical
94
Undercarriage
96
96/100
Overall Condition · Excellent
No major issues · Well maintained
Body: No rust, perfect gaps✅
Engine: 180 PSI compression all cylinders✅
Trans: Smooth shifts, no grinding✅
Paint: Ceramic coated · No swirls✅
Documentation

Trust, documented

This is where trust explodes. Every receipt, every test, every detail.

Dyno Sheet
Compression Test
Leak Down Test
Paint Invoice
Restoration Receipts
Engine Build Sheet
Wiring Diagram
Original Window Sticker
VIN Report
Ownership

Annual costs & maintenance

What it really costs to own this Beetle.

Annual Costs

Fuel$1 800
Insurance$1 200
Registration$340
Storage$1,200
Five Year Cost$19 000

Maintenance

Valve Adjustment$280
Oil Changes$85
Brake Service$450
Tire Rotation$60
AI Maintenance Planner
🔧 Valve adj · 3k mi 🛢️ Oil change · 3k mi 🛞 Brake flush · 2yr ⚙️ Tune-up · 5k mi
Community

Latest questions

Real questions from owners, mechanics, and enthusiasts.

Can I run E85?
How long do Webers last?
Best oil for a 2332cc?
Valve adjustment tutorial
Should You Buy This Car?

Should you buy this Beetle?

Honest, transparent advice. No hype.

Buy this car if…

  • ✓ You want a show-quality Volkswagen you can actually drive.
  • ✓ You appreciate documented craftsmanship.
  • ✓ You value reliability over chasing maximum horsepower.
  • ✓ You want a car that turns heads and starts conversations.

This may not be the right car if…

  • ✗ You're looking for a stock, numbers-matching restoration.
  • ✗ You want modern safety features (airbags, ABS, etc.).
  • ✗ You prefer an automatic transmission.
  • ✗ You want a low-maintenance daily driver with no quirks.

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