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Automotive

The 50 most valuable Volkswagen Beetles ever sold

By Mike Hanlon
April 16, 2018
The 50 most valuable Volkswage...
The Volkswagen Beetle is continuing to defy the laws of economics, being one of the hottest collectible car investments of recent times at the same time as being the most plentiful single model ever produced with 21.5 million cars sold. In the last three years, despite the collectible car market cooling, 36 of the 50 most valuable Beetles have been sold and there's no end in sight.
The Volkswagen Beetle is continuing to defy the laws of economics, being one of the hottest collectible car investments of recent times at the same time as being the most plentiful single model ever produced with 21.5 million cars sold. In the last three years, despite the collectible car market cooling, 36 of the 50 most valuable Beetles have been sold and there's no end in sight.
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The star of two hit movies and already the most expensive Volkswagen Beetle in history, this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle broke its own world record of $126,500 and further entrenched itself on our list of the most valuable movie cars.
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The star of two hit movies and already the most expensive Volkswagen Beetle in history, this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle broke its own world record of $126,500 and further entrenched itself on our list of the most valuable movie cars.
The star of two hit movies and already the most expensive Volkswagen Beetle in history, this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle broke its own world record of $126,500 and further entrenched itself on our list of the most valuable movie cars.
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The star of two hit movies and already the most expensive Volkswagen Beetle in history, this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle broke its own world record of $126,500 and further entrenched itself on our list of the most valuable movie cars.
The star of two hit movies and already the most expensive Volkswagen Beetle in history, this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle broke its own world record of $126,500 and further entrenched itself on our list of the most valuable movie cars.
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The star of two hit movies and already the most expensive Volkswagen Beetle in history, this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle broke its own world record of $126,500 and further entrenched itself on our list of the most valuable movie cars.
The star of two hit movies and already the most expensive Volkswagen Beetle in history, this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle broke its own world record of $126,500 and further entrenched itself on our list of the most valuable movie cars.
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The star of two hit movies and already the most expensive Volkswagen Beetle in history, this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle broke its own world record of $126,500 and further entrenched itself on our list of the most valuable movie cars.
The star of two hit movies and already the most expensive Volkswagen Beetle in history, this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle broke its own world record of $126,500 and further entrenched itself on our list of the most valuable movie cars.
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The star of two hit movies and already the most expensive Volkswagen Beetle in history, this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle broke its own world record of $126,500 and further entrenched itself on our list of the most valuable movie cars.
This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $72,800 at RM-Sothebys' 2018 Amelia Island auction | Auction Link
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This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $72,800 at RM-Sothebys' 2018 Amelia Island auction | Auction Link
This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $72,800 at RM-Sothebys' 2018 Amelia Island auction | Auction Link
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This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $72,800 at RM-Sothebys' 2018 Amelia Island auction | Auction Link
This  highly original 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $62,345 (€58,240) at RM-Sothebys' 2017 February Paris auction | Auction Link
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This  highly original 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $62,345 (€58,240) at RM-Sothebys' 2017 February Paris auction | Auction Link
This  highly original 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $62,345 (€58,240) at RM-Sothebys' 2017 February Paris auction | Auction Link
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This  highly original 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $62,345 (€58,240) at RM-Sothebys' 2017 February Paris auction | Auction Link
This  highly original 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $62,345 (€58,240) at RM-Sothebys' 2017 February Paris auction | Auction Link
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This  highly original 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $62,345 (€58,240) at RM-Sothebys' 2017 February Paris auction | Auction Link
This  highly original 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $62,345 (€58,240) at RM-Sothebys' 2017 February Paris auction | Auction Link
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This  highly original 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $62,345 (€58,240) at RM-Sothebys' 2017 February Paris auction | Auction Link
This  highly original 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $62,345 (€58,240) at RM-Sothebys' 2017 February Paris auction | Auction Link
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This  highly original 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $62,345 (€58,240) at RM-Sothebys' 2017 February Paris auction | Auction Link
This  highly original 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $62,345 (€58,240) at RM-Sothebys' 2017 February Paris auction | Auction Link
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This  highly original 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $62,345 (€58,240) at RM-Sothebys' 2017 February Paris auction | Auction Link
Volkswagen Beetle production was prolific, and the first reliable and affordable post-war car became the best seller in history.
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Volkswagen Beetle production was prolific, and the first reliable and affordable post-war car became the best seller in history.
Celebrity provenance always attracts a premium at auction, and almost everybody didn't see this 1960 Volkswagen Beetle coming, including one of the world's most astute Tier One auction houses which estimated it would sell for $35,000 to $55,000. The disguising factor was that is went to auction amongst a gaggle of delectable Porches from the collection of comedian Jerry Seinfeld, and while the big money enthusiasts were all focussed on the Porsches, Jerry's humble 1960 Beetle became the seond most valuable Beetle of all time, fetching $121,000. It seems that the lower the base value of a car, the higher the multiplication factor associated with celebrity ownership.  | Auction Link
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Celebrity provenance always attracts a premium at auction, and almost everybody didn't see this 1960 Volkswagen Beetle coming, including one of the world's most astute Tier One auction houses which estimated it would sell for $35,000 to $55,000. The disguising factor was that is went to auction amongst a gaggle of delectable Porches from the collection of comedian Jerry Seinfeld, and while the big money enthusiasts were all focussed on the Porsches, Jerry's humble 1960 Beetle became the seond most valuable Beetle of all time, fetching $121,000. It seems that the lower the base value of a car, the higher the multiplication factor associated with celebrity ownership.  | Auction Link
Celebrity provenance always attracts a premium at auction, and almost everybody didn't see this 1960 Volkswagen Beetle coming, including one of the world's most astute Tier One auction houses which estimated it would sell for $35,000 to $55,000. The disguising factor was that is went to auction amongst a gaggle of delectable Porches from the collection of comedian Jerry Seinfeld, and while the big money enthusiasts were all focussed on the Porsches, Jerry's humble 1960 Beetle became the seond most valuable Beetle of all time, fetching $121,000. It seems that the lower the base value of a car, the higher the multiplication factor associated with celebrity ownership.  | Auction Link
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Celebrity provenance always attracts a premium at auction, and almost everybody didn't see this 1960 Volkswagen Beetle coming, including one of the world's most astute Tier One auction houses which estimated it would sell for $35,000 to $55,000. The disguising factor was that is went to auction amongst a gaggle of delectable Porches from the collection of comedian Jerry Seinfeld, and while the big money enthusiasts were all focussed on the Porsches, Jerry's humble 1960 Beetle became the seond most valuable Beetle of all time, fetching $121,000. It seems that the lower the base value of a car, the higher the multiplication factor associated with celebrity ownership.  | Auction Link
Third place on our all-time Beetle value listing is the "Invisible Driver" stunt car used in Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo which fetched $86,250 at a Bonhams New York Movie Memorabilia auction in November, 2015. The car had previously been to auction on eBay just 12 months prior and sold for $55,250 at that time. The involvement of a world class auction company rather than appreciation in value is the primary variable in that equation, though we have discussed the auction winner's curse previously.
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Third place on our all-time Beetle value listing is the "Invisible Driver" stunt car used in Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo which fetched $86,250 at a Bonhams New York Movie Memorabilia auction in November, 2015. The car had previously been to auction on eBay just 12 months prior and sold for $55,250 at that time. The involvement of a world class auction company rather than appreciation in value is the primary variable in that equation, though we have discussed the auction winner's curse previously.
Third place on our all-time Beetle value listing is the "Invisible Driver" stunt car used in Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo which fetched $86,250 at a Bonhams New York Movie Memorabilia auction in November, 2015. The car had previously been to auction on eBay just 12 months prior and sold for $55,250 at that time. The involvement of a world class auction company rather than appreciation in value is the primary variable in that equation, though we have discussed the auction winner's curse previously.
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Third place on our all-time Beetle value listing is the "Invisible Driver" stunt car used in Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo which fetched $86,250 at a Bonhams New York Movie Memorabilia auction in November, 2015. The car had previously been to auction on eBay just 12 months prior and sold for $55,250 at that time. The involvement of a world class auction company rather than appreciation in value is the primary variable in that equation, though we have discussed the auction winner's curse previously.
Herbie holds the record for the first and third most expensive Bug for obvious reasons. This is the car which will go to auction at Barrett-Jackson's Palm Beach auction on April 12-15, 2018
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Herbie holds the record for the first and third most expensive Bug for obvious reasons. This is the car which will go to auction at Barrett-Jackson's Palm Beach auction on April 12-15, 2018
Barrett-Jackson holds the record for a number of makes and models and the entertainment first aspects of the company's auction format are without parallel. That's Herbie being sold for a record first time around.
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Barrett-Jackson holds the record for a number of makes and models and the entertainment first aspects of the company's auction format are without parallel. That's Herbie being sold for a record first time around.
This is the most expensive Herbie so far, but real Herbies, or at least cars claimed to be real Herbies, have also sold outside the top 25 for $28,600, $21,000 (at a Kruse auction in 2007), $20,000, $18,000, $17,000, $16,500, and as cheaply as $4,180.
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This is the most expensive Herbie so far, but real Herbies, or at least cars claimed to be real Herbies, have also sold outside the top 25 for $28,600, $21,000 (at a Kruse auction in 2007), $20,000, $18,000, $17,000, $16,500, and as cheaply as $4,180.
This 1952 Karmann Cabriolet Beetle was estimated to sell for between $135,000 and $150,000 at the Finest Automobile's Aspen Snowmass auction in September, 2016. It failed to make reserve
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This 1952 Karmann Cabriolet Beetle was estimated to sell for between $135,000 and $150,000 at the Finest Automobile's Aspen Snowmass auction in September, 2016. It failed to make reserve
This 1952 Karmann Cabriolet Beetle was estimated to sell for between $135,000 and $150,000 at the Finest Automobile's Aspen Snowmass auction in September, 2016. It failed to make reserve
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This 1952 Karmann Cabriolet Beetle was estimated to sell for between $135,000 and $150,000 at the Finest Automobile's Aspen Snowmass auction in September, 2016. It failed to make reserve
This 1952 Karmann Cabriolet Beetle was estimated to sell for between $135,000 and $150,000 at the Finest Automobile's Aspen Snowmass auction in September, 2016. It failed to make reserve
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This 1952 Karmann Cabriolet Beetle was estimated to sell for between $135,000 and $150,000 at the Finest Automobile's Aspen Snowmass auction in September, 2016. It failed to make reserve
This 1955 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann is currently the fourth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold at auction, fetching $82,500 at RM-Sothebys' 2015 Amelia Island auction. | Auction Link
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This 1955 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann is currently the fourth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold at auction, fetching $82,500 at RM-Sothebys' 2015 Amelia Island auction. | Auction Link
This 1955 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann is currently the fourth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold at auction, fetching $82,500 at RM-Sothebys' 2015 Amelia Island auction. | Auction Link
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This 1955 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann is currently the fourth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold at auction, fetching $82,500 at RM-Sothebys' 2015 Amelia Island auction. | Auction Link
This 1955 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann is currently the fourth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold at auction, fetching $82,500 at RM-Sothebys' 2015 Amelia Island auction. | Auction Link
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This 1955 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann is currently the fourth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold at auction, fetching $82,500 at RM-Sothebys' 2015 Amelia Island auction. | Auction Link
This 1955 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann is currently the fourth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold at auction, fetching $82,500 at RM-Sothebys' 2015 Amelia Island auction. | Auction Link
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This 1955 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann is currently the fourth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold at auction, fetching $82,500 at RM-Sothebys' 2015 Amelia Island auction. | Auction Link
This 1955 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann is currently the fourth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold at auction, fetching $82,500 at RM-Sothebys' 2015 Amelia Island auction. | Auction Link
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This 1955 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann is currently the fourth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold at auction, fetching $82,500 at RM-Sothebys' 2015 Amelia Island auction. | Auction Link
Gooding & Co has sold a number of the most valuable Beetles, including this seventh ranked (most valuable) 1958 Beetle which fetched  $71,500 at Pebble Beach in 2016 | Auction Link
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Gooding & Co has sold a number of the most valuable Beetles, including this seventh ranked (most valuable) 1958 Beetle which fetched  $71,500 at Pebble Beach in 2016 | Auction Link
The fourth most valuable Herbie ever sold at auction, and equal ninth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold. This 1963 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at a Gooding & Co Scottsdale auction in 2012 | Auction Link
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The fourth most valuable Herbie ever sold at auction, and equal ninth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold. This 1963 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at a Gooding & Co Scottsdale auction in 2012 | Auction Link
Gooding & Co has sold a number of the most valuable Beetles, including this ninth ranked (most valuable) 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible which fetched  $66,000 at Scottsdale in 2015 | Auction Link
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Gooding & Co has sold a number of the most valuable Beetles, including this ninth ranked (most valuable) 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible which fetched  $66,000 at Scottsdale in 2015 | Auction Link
Gooding & Co has sold a number of the most valuable Beetles, including this thirteenth ranked (most valuable) 1951 Volkswagen Beetle which fetched  $63,800 at Amelia Island in March, 2016 | Auction Link
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Gooding & Co has sold a number of the most valuable Beetles, including this thirteenth ranked (most valuable) 1951 Volkswagen Beetle which fetched  $63,800 at Amelia Island in March, 2016 | Auction Link
This 1951 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $55,000 at Gooding & Co's 2018 Scottsdale sale | Auction Link
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This 1951 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $55,000 at Gooding & Co's 2018 Scottsdale sale | Auction Link
This 1949 Volkswagen Hebmuller Type 14A Beetle Cabriolet received a bid of $250,000 during Mecum's Monterey auction in August,2016, but failed to sell because the bid was below the reserve price of $300,000.
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This 1949 Volkswagen Hebmuller Type 14A Beetle Cabriolet received a bid of $250,000 during Mecum's Monterey auction in August,2016, but failed to sell because the bid was below the reserve price of $300,000.
This 1949 Volkswagen Hebmuller Type 14A Beetle Cabriolet received a bid of $250,000 during Mecum's Monterey auction in August,2016, but failed to sell because the bid was below the reserve price of $300,000.
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This 1949 Volkswagen Hebmuller Type 14A Beetle Cabriolet received a bid of $250,000 during Mecum's Monterey auction in August,2016, but failed to sell because the bid was below the reserve price of $300,000.
This 1949 Volkswagen Hebmuller Type 14A Beetle Cabriolet received a bid of $250,000 during Mecum's Monterey auction in August,2016, but failed to sell because the bid was below the reserve price of $300,000.
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This 1949 Volkswagen Hebmuller Type 14A Beetle Cabriolet received a bid of $250,000 during Mecum's Monterey auction in August,2016, but failed to sell because the bid was below the reserve price of $300,000.
This 1949 Volkswagen Hebmuller Type 14A Beetle Cabriolet received a bid of $250,000 during Mecum's Monterey auction in August,2016, but failed to sell because the bid was below the reserve price of $300,000.
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This 1949 Volkswagen Hebmuller Type 14A Beetle Cabriolet received a bid of $250,000 during Mecum's Monterey auction in August,2016, but failed to sell because the bid was below the reserve price of $300,000.
This 1943 KDF Type 60 Beetle is the earliest to ever reach auction. With an official estimate of $275,000 to $350,000, it failed to meet reserve during The Finest's Elegance at Hershey auction in 2016. The reserve price is believed to have been $275,000.
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This 1943 KDF Type 60 Beetle is the earliest to ever reach auction. With an official estimate of $275,000 to $350,000, it failed to meet reserve during The Finest's Elegance at Hershey auction in 2016. The reserve price is believed to have been $275,000.
This 1943 KDF Type 60 Beetle is the earliest to ever reach auction. With an official estimate of $275,000 to $350,000, it failed to meet reserve during The Finest's Elegance at Hershey auction in 2016. The reserve price is believed to have been $275,000.
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This 1943 KDF Type 60 Beetle is the earliest to ever reach auction. With an official estimate of $275,000 to $350,000, it failed to meet reserve during The Finest's Elegance at Hershey auction in 2016. The reserve price is believed to have been $275,000.
This 1943 KDF Type 60 Beetle is the earliest to ever reach auction. With an official estimate of $275,000 to $350,000, it failed to meet reserve during The Finest's Elegance at Hershey auction in 2016. The reserve price is believed to have been $275,000.
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This 1943 KDF Type 60 Beetle is the earliest to ever reach auction. With an official estimate of $275,000 to $350,000, it failed to meet reserve during The Finest's Elegance at Hershey auction in 2016. The reserve price is believed to have been $275,000.
This 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at RM-Sothebys' Arizona, sale in January, 2016 | Auction Link
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This 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at RM-Sothebys' Arizona, sale in January, 2016 | Auction Link
This 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at RM-Sothebys' Arizona, sale in January, 2016 | Auction Link
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This 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at RM-Sothebys' Arizona, sale in January, 2016 | Auction Link
This 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at RM-Sothebys' Arizona, sale in January, 2016 | Auction Link
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This 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at RM-Sothebys' Arizona, sale in January, 2016 | Auction Link
This 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at RM-Sothebys' Arizona, sale in January, 2016 | Auction Link
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This 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at RM-Sothebys' Arizona, sale in January, 2016 | Auction Link
This 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at RM-Sothebys' Arizona, sale in January, 2016 | Auction Link
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This 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at RM-Sothebys' Arizona, sale in January, 2016 | Auction Link
This 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at RM-Sothebys' Arizona, sale in January, 2016 | Auction Link
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This 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at RM-Sothebys' Arizona, sale in January, 2016 | Auction Link
This 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at RM-Sothebys' Arizona, sale in January, 2016 | Auction Link
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This 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at RM-Sothebys' Arizona, sale in January, 2016 | Auction Link
Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson takes a spin in the world record holder. This is the car which will go to auction at Barrett-Jackson's Palm Beach auction on April 12-15, 2018
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Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson takes a spin in the world record holder. This is the car which will go to auction at Barrett-Jackson's Palm Beach auction on April 12-15, 2018
Herbie holds the record for the first and third most expensive Bug for obvious reasons. This is the car which will go to auction at Barrett-Jackson's Palm Beach auction on April 12-15, 2018
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Herbie holds the record for the first and third most expensive Bug for obvious reasons. This is the car which will go to auction at Barrett-Jackson's Palm Beach auction on April 12-15, 2018
The Volkswagen Beetle as it was crossing the auction block and capturing the world record price for a Volkswagen Beetle
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The Volkswagen Beetle as it was crossing the auction block and capturing the world record price for a Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle as it was crossing the auction block and capturing the world record price for a Volkswagen Beetle
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The Volkswagen Beetle as it was crossing the auction block and capturing the world record price for a Volkswagen Beetle
The fourth most valuable Herbie ever sold at auction, and equal ninth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold. This 1963 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at a Gooding & Co Scottsdale auction in 2012 | Auction Link
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The fourth most valuable Herbie ever sold at auction, and equal ninth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold. This 1963 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at a Gooding & Co Scottsdale auction in 2012 | Auction Link
This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Cabriolet sold for $52,800 at Bonhams' 2016 Amelia Island sale | Auction Link
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This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Cabriolet sold for $52,800 at Bonhams' 2016 Amelia Island sale | Auction Link
Celebrity provenance helps elevate the price of any car at auction. This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible was previously owned by two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson and sold for $50,600 at Bonhams' 2014 Scottsdale sale | Auction Link
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Celebrity provenance helps elevate the price of any car at auction. This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible was previously owned by two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson and sold for $50,600 at Bonhams' 2014 Scottsdale sale | Auction Link
This 1950 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $44,000 at Gooding & Company's Amelia Island auction in 2017 | Auction Link
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This 1950 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $44,000 at Gooding & Company's Amelia Island auction in 2017 | Auction Link
Volkswagen Beetles were produced in Mexico from 1967 until 2003, and the final production run of 3,000 vehicles was known as the "Última Edición." This car was obtained by a German enthusiast fully optioned and mothballed. It proved to be a worthwhile investment. as the car fetched $50,142 (€42,550) at a Dorotheum sale in Salzburg in October, 2017 | Auction Link
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Volkswagen Beetles were produced in Mexico from 1967 until 2003, and the final production run of 3,000 vehicles was known as the "Última Edición." This car was obtained by a German enthusiast fully optioned and mothballed. It proved to be a worthwhile investment. as the car fetched $50,142 (€42,550) at a Dorotheum sale in Salzburg in October, 2017 | Auction Link
This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $47,468 (€44,800) at RM-Sothebys Duemila Ruote auction in Milan on November 27, 2016 | Auction Link
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This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $47,468 (€44,800) at RM-Sothebys Duemila Ruote auction in Milan on November 27, 2016 | Auction Link
Despite the modest results of Bernie Ecclestone's 1978 Volkswagen Beetle 1200, original unmolested Beetles can be expected to appreciate indefinitely, as this example of a 1974 Volkswagen Beetle showed at auction in Denmark in 2016 when it fetched €38,250 ($42,507). It has just 90 km on the odometer.
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Despite the modest results of Bernie Ecclestone's 1978 Volkswagen Beetle 1200, original unmolested Beetles can be expected to appreciate indefinitely, as this example of a 1974 Volkswagen Beetle showed at auction in Denmark in 2016 when it fetched €38,250 ($42,507). It has just 90 km on the odometer.
This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $49,500 at Finest Automobile Auctions' Hershey sale in June, 2016
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This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $49,500 at Finest Automobile Auctions' Hershey sale in June, 2016
This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $54,600 at an online Finest Automobile Auction in April, 2016
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This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $54,600 at an online Finest Automobile Auction in April, 2016
At the end of European production in 1978, Volkswagen produced a limited batch of 1200cc Beetle 1200L Saloons with Diamond Silver Metallic paint and Marine Blue velour interior. This car is number 167 of that last batch of 300, according to the plaque on the dashboard, and has covered just 63 miles from new. It spent several years in the collection of former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, selling for £10,450 at an RM-Sotheby's auction in London in 2007, then again for £13,200 at a Bonhams auction at Hendon RAF Museum (UK) in December, 2015. One day this car will be worth a lot of money.
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At the end of European production in 1978, Volkswagen produced a limited batch of 1200cc Beetle 1200L Saloons with Diamond Silver Metallic paint and Marine Blue velour interior. This car is number 167 of that last batch of 300, according to the plaque on the dashboard, and has covered just 63 miles from new. It spent several years in the collection of former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, selling for £10,450 at an RM-Sotheby's auction in London in 2007, then again for £13,200 at a Bonhams auction at Hendon RAF Museum (UK) in December, 2015. One day this car will be worth a lot of money.
At the end of European production in 1978, Volkswagen produced a limited batch of 1200cc Beetle 1200L Saloons with Diamond Silver Metallic paint and Marine Blue velour interior. This car is number 167 of that last batch of 300, according to the plaque on the dashboard, and has covered just 63 miles from new. It spent several years in the collection of former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, selling for £10,450 at an RM-Sotheby's auction in London in 2007, then again for £13,200 at a Bonhams auction at Hendon RAF Museum (UK) in December, 2015. One day this car will be worth a lot of money.
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At the end of European production in 1978, Volkswagen produced a limited batch of 1200cc Beetle 1200L Saloons with Diamond Silver Metallic paint and Marine Blue velour interior. This car is number 167 of that last batch of 300, according to the plaque on the dashboard, and has covered just 63 miles from new. It spent several years in the collection of former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, selling for £10,450 at an RM-Sotheby's auction in London in 2007, then again for £13,200 at a Bonhams auction at Hendon RAF Museum (UK) in December, 2015. One day this car will be worth a lot of money.
This 1952 Karmann Cabriolet Beetle was estimated to sell for between $135,000 and $150,000 at the Finest Automobile's Aspen Snowmass auction in September, 2016. It failed to make reserve
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This 1952 Karmann Cabriolet Beetle was estimated to sell for between $135,000 and $150,000 at the Finest Automobile's Aspen Snowmass auction in September, 2016. It failed to make reserve
Note the third wheel at the front. This is a specially constructed "Spinning Herbie" which sold for $49,500 at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale 2016 sale| Auction Link
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Note the third wheel at the front. This is a specially constructed "Spinning Herbie" which sold for $49,500 at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale 2016 sale| Auction Link
The third most valuable Herbie ever sold, and sixth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle, this was the Nascar Herbie hero car and fetched $72,000 at Mecum's Indianapolis auction in May, 2016 | Auction Link
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The third most valuable Herbie ever sold, and sixth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle, this was the Nascar Herbie hero car and fetched $72,000 at Mecum's Indianapolis auction in May, 2016 | Auction Link
This 1963 Volkswagen Beetle Herbie from the TV movie sold for $55,000 at a Mecum Indianapolis sale in May, 2016 | Auction Link
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This 1963 Volkswagen Beetle Herbie from the TV movie sold for $55,000 at a Mecum Indianapolis sale in May, 2016 | Auction Link
The eighth most valuable Beetle ever sold was this 1954 Volkswagen Beetle 1200 Deluxe Cabriolet which fetched $66,125 at an RM-Sothebys auction in Madison, Georgia during February, 2013 | Auction Link
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The eighth most valuable Beetle ever sold was this 1954 Volkswagen Beetle 1200 Deluxe Cabriolet which fetched $66,125 at an RM-Sothebys auction in Madison, Georgia during February, 2013 | Auction Link
Fetching $66,000, this 1953 Volkswagen 'Zwitter' Beetle is one of the ten most valuable Beetles to have ever sold at auction. RM-Sothebys sold it in Scottsdale 2013 | Auction Link
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Fetching $66,000, this 1953 Volkswagen 'Zwitter' Beetle is one of the ten most valuable Beetles to have ever sold at auction. RM-Sothebys sold it in Scottsdale 2013 | Auction Link
This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $45,100 at RM-Sothebys' Auburn Fall Auction in 2015 | Auction Link
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This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $45,100 at RM-Sothebys' Auburn Fall Auction in 2015 | Auction Link
This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle sold for $42,900 at an RM-Sothebys auction in Fort Lauderdale in 2016 | Auction Link
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This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle sold for $42,900 at an RM-Sothebys auction in Fort Lauderdale in 2016 | Auction Link
This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet sold for $42,350 at an RM-Sothebys auction in Fort Lauderdale in 2017 | Auction Link
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This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet sold for $42,350 at an RM-Sothebys auction in Fort Lauderdale in 2017 | Auction Link
This 1954 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $39,600 at RM-Sothebys Amelia Island sale in March, 2008 | Auction Link
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This 1954 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $39,600 at RM-Sothebys Amelia Island sale in March, 2008 | Auction Link
This  1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $65,000 at Mecum's Monterey 2017 sale. | Auction Link
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This  1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $65,000 at Mecum's Monterey 2017 sale. | Auction Link
This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle and matching Sears Roebuck Allstate one wheel trailer sold for $61,600 at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale 2018 auction after selling for $55,000 at Mecum in a Las Vegas 2017 Auction
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This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle and matching Sears Roebuck Allstate one wheel trailer sold for $61,600 at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale 2018 auction after selling for $55,000 at Mecum in a Las Vegas 2017 Auction
This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $58,300 at a Barrett-Jackson 2014 Las Vegas sale | Auction Link
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This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $58,300 at a Barrett-Jackson 2014 Las Vegas sale | Auction Link
This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet sold for $51,700 at a Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale sale in  2006  | Auction Link
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This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet sold for $51,700 at a Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale sale in  2006  | Auction Link
This 1966 Volkswagen Beetle Custom Cabriolet sold for  $49,500 at Barrett-Jackson's 2015  Scottsdale sale | Auction Link
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This 1966 Volkswagen Beetle Custom Cabriolet sold for  $49,500 at Barrett-Jackson's 2015  Scottsdale sale | Auction Link
This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet sold for $47,300 at Barrett-Jackson's 2016 Scottsdale sale | Auction Link
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This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet sold for $47,300 at Barrett-Jackson's 2016 Scottsdale sale | Auction Link
This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet sold for $46,750 at Barrett-Jackson's Palm Beach 2017 sale | Auction Link
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This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet sold for $46,750 at Barrett-Jackson's Palm Beach 2017 sale | Auction Link
This 1959 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $45,100 at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale in 2007 | Auction Link
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This 1959 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $45,100 at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale in 2007 | Auction Link
This 1978 Volkswagen Beetle sold forn $44,000 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, 2016 | Auction Link
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This 1978 Volkswagen Beetle sold forn $44,000 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, 2016 | Auction Link
This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle sold for  $44,000 at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas, 2016 | Auction Link
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This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle sold for  $44,000 at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas, 2016 | Auction Link
40 | $40,150 | 1962 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Barrett-Jackson | Scottsdale, 2007 | Auction Link
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40 | $40,150 | 1962 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Barrett-Jackson | Scottsdale, 2007 | Auction Link
This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible sold for $40,000 at Mecum's Monterey 2015 auction | Auction Link
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This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible sold for $40,000 at Mecum's Monterey 2015 auction | Auction Link
This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible sold for $39,050 at  Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, 2017 | Auction Link
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This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible sold for $39,050 at  Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, 2017 | Auction Link
This  1957 Volkswagen Beetle soldfor $39,270 at a Barrett-Jackson  Palm Beach auction in 2006 | Auction Link
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This  1957 Volkswagen Beetle soldfor $39,270 at a Barrett-Jackson  Palm Beach auction in 2006 | Auction Link
This 1977 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for  $39,000 at Barrett-Jackson Monterey, 2016 | Auction Link
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This 1977 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for  $39,000 at Barrett-Jackson Monterey, 2016 | Auction Link
This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $38,500 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, 2018 | Auction Link
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This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $38,500 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, 2018 | Auction Link
47 | $38,500 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle Bonhams | Scottsdale, 2016 | Auction Link47 | $38,500 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle Bonhams | Scottsdale, 2016 | Auction Link
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47 | $38,500 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle Bonhams | Scottsdale, 2016 | Auction Link47 | $38,500 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle Bonhams | Scottsdale, 2016 | Auction Link
This  1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible sold for $38,500 at a Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, 2017 sale  | Auction Link
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This  1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible sold for $38,500 at a Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, 2017 sale  | Auction Link
This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $38,500 at a Barrett-Jackson Los Angeles sale in  2017  | Auction Link
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This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $38,500 at a Barrett-Jackson Los Angeles sale in  2017  | Auction Link
This  1977 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $37,950  at a Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach, auction in 2014 | Auction Link
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This  1977 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $37,950  at a Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach, auction in 2014 | Auction Link
A very close relation to the Beetle, but we're not counting in this list because it isn't close enough. Indeed, Porsche's Type 60 could be considered the common ancestor of the Volkswagen Beetle, and both the WW2 German army's Kübelwagen and this 1944 amphibious 4WD Schwimmwagen. Schwimmwagens are rare because so very few survived the war, with this car fetching $230,724 (€149,500) and other recent auction results including $138,712 (kr840,000) by RM-Sothebys in Denmark, and $141,743 (€110,000) by Pierre Bergé & Associés in Brussels in 2013.
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A very close relation to the Beetle, but we're not counting in this list because it isn't close enough. Indeed, Porsche's Type 60 could be considered the common ancestor of the Volkswagen Beetle, and both the WW2 German army's Kübelwagen and this 1944 amphibious 4WD Schwimmwagen. Schwimmwagens are rare because so very few survived the war, with this car fetching $230,724 (€149,500) and other recent auction results including $138,712 (kr840,000) by RM-Sothebys in Denmark, and $141,743 (€110,000) by Pierre Bergé & Associés in Brussels in 2013.
Like the 1944 Volkswagen Schwimmwagen, we're not counting this as a Volkswagen Beetle, though it doubtless has a common ancestor. This Kubelwagen sold complete with many Wehrmacht accessories, a striking Afrika Korps colour scheme and an ex-Imperial War Museum (UK) history at a Brightwells auction in Herefordshire, UK in September, 2012 | Auction Link
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Like the 1944 Volkswagen Schwimmwagen, we're not counting this as a Volkswagen Beetle, though it doubtless has a common ancestor. This Kubelwagen sold complete with many Wehrmacht accessories, a striking Afrika Korps colour scheme and an ex-Imperial War Museum (UK) history at a Brightwells auction in Herefordshire, UK in September, 2012 | Auction Link
The star of two hit movies and already the most expensive Volkswagen Beetle in history, this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle broke its own world record of $126,500 and further entrenched itself on our list of the most valuable movie cars.
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The star of two hit movies and already the most expensive Volkswagen Beetle in history, this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle broke its own world record of $126,500 and further entrenched itself on our list of the most valuable movie cars.
The star of two hit movies and already the most expensive Volkswagen Beetle in history, this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle broke its own world record of $126,500 and further entrenched itself on our list of the most valuable movie cars.
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The star of two hit movies and already the most expensive Volkswagen Beetle in history, this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle broke its own world record of $126,500 and further entrenched itself on our list of the most valuable movie cars.
The star of two hit movies and already the most expensive Volkswagen Beetle in history, this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle broke its own world record of $126,500 and further entrenched itself on our list of the most valuable movie cars.
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The star of two hit movies and already the most expensive Volkswagen Beetle in history, this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle broke its own world record of $126,500 and further entrenched itself on our list of the most valuable movie cars.
The Volkswagen Beetle is continuing to defy the laws of economics, being one of the hottest collectible car investments of recent times at the same time as being the most plentiful single model ever produced with 21.5 million cars sold. In the last three years, despite the collectible car market cooling, 36 of the 50 most valuable Beetles have been sold and there's no end in sight.
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The Volkswagen Beetle is continuing to defy the laws of economics, being one of the hottest collectible car investments of recent times at the same time as being the most plentiful single model ever produced with 21.5 million cars sold. In the last three years, despite the collectible car market cooling, 36 of the 50 most valuable Beetles have been sold and there's no end in sight.
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Theory has it that the supply of and demand for a product determine its ultimate value on the auction block, and when you consider that a record 21,529,464 Volkswagen Beetles were sold globally between 1938 and 2003, it is remarkable that the ultimate people's car still has any value at all at auction. Prices however, are defying all the rules and the world's most produced car model is now fetching record prices and looks set to become a gold plated investment as a collector car.

Incredibly clever design and mass manufacturing efficiencies propelled the Beetle to surpass the Ford Model T world record for production of a single automobile and fulfill all of its design objectives despite being masterminded by one of the great villains of the century of the automobile.

Toyota now holds the record for a single nameplate for its compact class Corolla, though the relationship between the first 1966 Corolla and its namesake of today is tenuous beyond the name and size of the cars wearing that name.

The initial Corolla was a massive success because it was reliable and did everything far more competently than its logical competitors. It became the world's best-selling car annually in 1974, and has been the biggest selling nameplate almost every year since. You only get one chance to make a first impression and the Corolla reputation for quality and reliability is now a dozen generations down the track.

The same car which became the most valuable Volkswagen Beetle on the planet in 2015 reaffirmed its position again yesterday fetching US$128,700 at auction, but the car has perhaps had more effect than just being number one.

Since Herbie last sold for $126,000 just three years ago, 39 of the world's 50 most valuable Volkswagen Beetles have sold, despite the auction marketplace losing momentum over the same time frame. The vehicle with the highest appreciation of any collectible car over the last five years is the Volkswagen Kombi/Samba van, and though the Beetle (Bug in the US, Käfer in Germany, Garbus in Poland, Coccinelle in France) has done more to commoditize personal transportation than any other automobile in history, it is now appreciating like crazy on the auction block, too.

Volkswagen Beetle production was prolific, and the first reliable and affordable post-war car became the best seller in history.
Volkswagen Beetle production was prolific, and the first reliable and affordable post-war car became the best seller in history.

The most valuable commonly available Beetle is the Cabriolet

The following list contains the most valuable Volkswagen Beetles that have ever sold at auction, plus a few with extraordinary estimates that didn't make reserve. If you know of any that should be on this list, please let us know in the comments section and we'll amend the list.

The most interesting finding of our research is that Beetle hardtops made up just 26 of the top 50, and nine of those were Herbies, while the Cabriolet made up 24 of the top 50 prices achieved.

Production of the Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann began in 1948 when Wilhelm Karmann GmbH purchased a VW Beetle sedan and converted it into a four-seater convertible. Volume production began in 1949 by Karmann after being successfully presented to Volkswagen in Wolfsburg and approval received.

Without the integrity of the roof for strength, many modifications were added to create body strength, with the sills reinforced with welded U-channel rails and a transverse beam fitted below the front edge of the rear seat cushion. Far more was done to add this strength and the build quality of the Cabriolet by a well-established coachbuilding company such as Karmann was well beyond anything Volkswagen offered at the time, creating a large and growing fan club of the Cabriolet.

Special mention | 1978 Volkswagen Beetle 1200

At the end of European production in 1978, Volkswagen produced a limited batch of 1200cc Beetle 1200L Saloons with Diamond Silver Metallic paint and Marine Blue velour interior. This car is number 167 of that last batch of 300, according to the plaque on the dashboard, and has covered just 63 miles from new. It spent several years in the collection of former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, selling for £10,450 at an RM-Sotheby's auction in London in 2007, then again for £13,200 at a Bonhams auction at Hendon RAF Museum (UK) in December, 2015. One day this car will be worth a lot of money.
At the end of European production in 1978, Volkswagen produced a limited batch of 1200cc Beetle 1200L Saloons with Diamond Silver Metallic paint and Marine Blue velour interior. This car is number 167 of that last batch of 300, according to the plaque on the dashboard, and has covered just 63 miles from new. It spent several years in the collection of former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, selling for £10,450 at an RM-Sotheby's auction in London in 2007, then again for £13,200 at a Bonhams auction at Hendon RAF Museum (UK) in December, 2015. One day this car will be worth a lot of money.

At the end of European production in 1978, Volkswagen produced a limited batch of 1200cc Beetle 1200L Saloons with Diamond Silver Metallic paint and Marine Blue velour interior. This car is number 167 of that last batch of 300, according to the plaque on the dashboard, and has covered just 63 miles from new. It spent several years in the collection of former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, selling for £10,450 at an RM-Sotheby's auction in London in 2007, then again for £13,200 at a Bonhams auction at Hendon RAF Museum (UK) in December, 2015. One day this car will be worth a lot of money.

53 | $37,950 | 1977 Volkswagen Beetle

This  1977 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $37,950  at a Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach, auction in 2014 | Auction Link
This  1977 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $37,950  at a Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach, auction in 2014 | Auction Link

Barrett-Jackson | Palm Beach, 2014 | Auction Link

49 | $38,500 | 1957 Volkswagen Beetle

This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $38,500 at a Barrett-Jackson Los Angeles sale in  2017  | Auction Link
This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $38,500 at a Barrett-Jackson Los Angeles sale in  2017  | Auction Link

Barrett-Jackson | Los Angeles, 2017 | Auction Link

49 | $38,500 | 1979 Volkswagen 'Epilogue' Cabriolet

This  1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible sold for $38,500 at a Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, 2017 sale  | Auction Link
This  1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible sold for $38,500 at a Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, 2017 sale  | Auction Link

Barrett-Jackson | Scottsdale, 2017 | Auction Link

49 | $38,500 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle

47 | $38,500 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle Bonhams | Scottsdale, 2016 | Auction Link47 | $38,500 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle Bonhams | Scottsdale, 2016 | Auction Link
47 | $38,500 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle Bonhams | Scottsdale, 2016 | Auction Link47 | $38,500 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle Bonhams | Scottsdale, 2016 | Auction Link

Bonhams | Scottsdale, 2016 | Auction Link

49 | $38,500 | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $38,500 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, 2018 | Auction Link
This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $38,500 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, 2018 | Auction Link

Barrett-Jackson | Scottsdale, 2018 | Auction Link

An unrestored, near perfect, triple-white Super Beetle with 6,822 original miles with a build date of December 1979, making it one of the last Super Beetles made.

48 | $39,000 | 1977 Volkswagen Beetle 'Champagne' Cabriolet

This 1977 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for  $39,000 at Barrett-Jackson Monterey, 2016 | Auction Link
This 1977 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for  $39,000 at Barrett-Jackson Monterey, 2016 | Auction Link

Barrett-Jackson | Monterey, 2016 | Auction Link

Just 1,000 "Champagne" Editions were produced, with just one unit going to each of America's Volkswagen dealers. This car is as-new, and sold unrestored but near perfect with just 5,220 mileson the clock.

47 | $39,050 | 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Cabriolet

This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible sold for $39,050 at  Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, 2017 | Auction Link
This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible sold for $39,050 at  Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, 2017 | Auction Link

Barrett-Jackson | Scottsdale, 2017 | Auction Link

46 | $39,270 | 1957 Volkswagen Beetle

This  1957 Volkswagen Beetle soldfor $39,270 at a Barrett-Jackson  Palm Beach auction in 2006 | Auction Link
This  1957 Volkswagen Beetle soldfor $39,270 at a Barrett-Jackson  Palm Beach auction in 2006 | Auction Link

Barrett-Jackson | Palm Beach, 2006 | Auction Link

45 | $39,600 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle

This 1954 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $39,600 at RM-Sothebys Amelia Island sale in March, 2008 | Auction Link
This 1954 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $39,600 at RM-Sothebys Amelia Island sale in March, 2008 | Auction Link

RM-Sothebys | Amelia Island, March, 2008 | Auction Link

44 | $40,000 | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible sold for $40,000 at Mecum's Monterey 2015 auction | Auction Link
This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible sold for $40,000 at Mecum's Monterey 2015 auction | Auction Link

Mecum | Monterey, August, 2015 | Auction Link

43 | $40,150 | 1962 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

40 | $40,150 | 1962 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Barrett-Jackson | Scottsdale, 2007 | Auction Link
40 | $40,150 | 1962 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Barrett-Jackson | Scottsdale, 2007 | Auction Link

Barrett-Jackson | Scottsdale, 2007 | Auction Link

42 | $42,350 | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet sold for $42,350 at an RM-Sothebys auction in Fort Lauderdale in 2017 | Auction Link
This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet sold for $42,350 at an RM-Sothebys auction in Fort Lauderdale in 2017 | Auction Link

RM-Sothebys | Fort Lauderdale, 2017 | Auction Link

41 | $42,507 (€38,250) | 1974 Volkswagen Beetle

Despite the modest results of Bernie Ecclestone's 1978 Volkswagen Beetle 1200, original unmolested Beetles can be expected to appreciate indefinitely, as this example of a 1974 Volkswagen Beetle showed at auction in Denmark in 2016 when it fetched €38,250 ($42,507). It has just 90 km on the odometer.
Despite the modest results of Bernie Ecclestone's 1978 Volkswagen Beetle 1200, original unmolested Beetles can be expected to appreciate indefinitely, as this example of a 1974 Volkswagen Beetle showed at auction in Denmark in 2016 when it fetched €38,250 ($42,507). It has just 90 km on the odometer.

Silverstone Auctions | Aarhus, Denmark | May, 2016 | Auction Link

Despite the modest results of the car above, original unmolested Beetles can be expected to appreciate indefinitely, as this example of a 1974 Volkswagen Beetle showed at auction in Denmark in 2016. It has just 90 km on the odometer.

00 | $43,558 (£26,950) | Volkswagen Kubelwagen Type 82

Like the 1944 Volkswagen Schwimmwagen, we're not counting this as a Volkswagen Beetle, though it doubtless has a common ancestor. This Kubelwagen sold complete with many Wehrmacht accessories, a striking Afrika Korps colour scheme and an ex-Imperial War Museum (UK) history at a Brightwells auction in Herefordshire, UK in September, 2012 | Auction Link
Like the 1944 Volkswagen Schwimmwagen, we're not counting this as a Volkswagen Beetle, though it doubtless has a common ancestor. This Kubelwagen sold complete with many Wehrmacht accessories, a striking Afrika Korps colour scheme and an ex-Imperial War Museum (UK) history at a Brightwells auction in Herefordshire, UK in September, 2012 | Auction Link

Brightwells | Herefordshire, U.K., September, 2012 | Auction Link

Like the 1944 Volkswagen Schwimmwagen which you will find further down this list, we're not counting this as a Volkswagen Beetle, though it doubtless has a common ancestor. This Kubelwagen sold complete with many Wehrmacht accessories, a striking Afrika Korps colour scheme and an ex-Imperial War Museum (UK) history.

40 | $42,900 | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle sold for $42,900 at an RM-Sothebys auction in Fort Lauderdale in 2016 | Auction Link
This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle sold for $42,900 at an RM-Sothebys auction in Fort Lauderdale in 2016 | Auction Link

RM-Sothebys | Fort Lauderdale, 2016 | Auction Link

37 | $44,000 | 1978 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This 1978 Volkswagen Beetle sold forn $44,000 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, 2016 | Auction Link
This 1978 Volkswagen Beetle sold forn $44,000 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, 2016 | Auction Link

Barrett-Jackson | Scottsdale, 2016 | Auction Link

37 | $44,000 | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle

This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle sold for  $44,000 at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas, 2016 | Auction Link
This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle sold for  $44,000 at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas, 2016 | Auction Link

Barrett-Jackson | Las Vegas, 2016 | Auction Link

37 | $44,000 | 1950 Volkswagen Beetle

This 1950 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $44,000 at Gooding & Company's Amelia Island auction in 2017 | Auction Link
This 1950 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $44,000 at Gooding & Company's Amelia Island auction in 2017 | Auction Link

Gooding & Co | Amelia Island, 2017 | Auction Link

35 | $45,100 | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $45,100 at RM-Sothebys' Auburn Fall Auction in 2015 | Auction Link
This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $45,100 at RM-Sothebys' Auburn Fall Auction in 2015 | Auction Link

RM-Sothebys | Auburn Fall, 2015 | Auction Link

35 | $45,100 | 1959 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This 1959 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $45,100 at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale in 2007 | Auction Link
This 1959 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $45,100 at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale in 2007 | Auction Link

Barrett-Jackson | Scottsdale, 2007 | Auction Link

34 | $46,750 | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet sold for $46,750 at Barrett-Jackson's Palm Beach 2017 sale | Auction Link
This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet sold for $46,750 at Barrett-Jackson's Palm Beach 2017 sale | Auction Link

Barrett-Jackson | Palm Beach, 2017 | Auction Link

33 | $47,300 | 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet sold for $47,300 at Barrett-Jackson's 2016 Scottsdale sale | Auction Link
This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet sold for $47,300 at Barrett-Jackson's 2016 Scottsdale sale | Auction Link

Barrett-Jackson | Scottsdale, January 2016 | Auction Link

32 | $47,468 (€44,800) | 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $47,468 (€44,800) at RM-Sothebys Duemila Ruote auction in Milan on November 27, 2016 | Auction Link
This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $47,468 (€44,800) at RM-Sothebys Duemila Ruote auction in Milan on November 27, 2016 | Auction Link

RM-Sothebys | Milan, November, 2016 | Auction Link

29 | $49,500 | 1966 Volkswagen Beetle Custom Cabriolet

This 1966 Volkswagen Beetle Custom Cabriolet sold for  $49,500 at Barrett-Jackson's 2015  Scottsdale sale | Auction Link
This 1966 Volkswagen Beetle Custom Cabriolet sold for  $49,500 at Barrett-Jackson's 2015  Scottsdale sale | Auction Link

Barrett-Jackson | Scottsdale, January 2015 | Auction Link

29 | $49,500 | 1960 Volkswagen Beetle

Note the third wheel at the front. This is a specially constructed "Spinning Herbie" which sold for $49,500 at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale 2016 sale| Auction Link
Note the third wheel at the front. This is a specially constructed "Spinning Herbie" which sold for $49,500 at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale 2016 sale| Auction Link

Barrett-Jackson | Scottsdale, January 2016 | Auction Link

29 | $49,500 | 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $49,500 at Finest Automobile Auctions' Hershey sale in June, 2016
This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $49,500 at Finest Automobile Auctions' Hershey sale in June, 2016

Finest Automobile Auctions (Defunct) | Hershey, June, 2016 | No Auction Link

28 | $50,142 (€42,550) | 2003 VW Beetle "Última Edición"

Volkswagen Beetles were produced in Mexico from 1967 until 2003, and the final production run of 3,000 vehicles was known as the "Última Edición." This car was obtained by a German enthusiast fully optioned and mothballed. It proved to be a worthwhile investment. as the car fetched $50,142 (€42,550) at a Dorotheum sale in Salzburg in October, 2017 | Auction Link
Volkswagen Beetles were produced in Mexico from 1967 until 2003, and the final production run of 3,000 vehicles was known as the "Última Edición." This car was obtained by a German enthusiast fully optioned and mothballed. It proved to be a worthwhile investment. as the car fetched $50,142 (€42,550) at a Dorotheum sale in Salzburg in October, 2017 | Auction Link

Dorotheum | Salzburg, October, 2017 | Auction Link

Volkswagen Beetles were produced in Mexico from 1967 until 2003, and the final production run of 3,000 vehicles was known as the "Última Edición." This car was obtained by a German enthusiast fully optioned and mothballed. It proved to be a worthwhile investment.

27 | $50,600 | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

Celebrity provenance helps elevate the price of any car at auction. This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible was previously owned by two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson and sold for $50,600 at Bonhams' 2014 Scottsdale sale | Auction Link
Celebrity provenance helps elevate the price of any car at auction. This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible was previously owned by two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson and sold for $50,600 at Bonhams' 2014 Scottsdale sale | Auction Link

Bonhams | Scottsdale, January, 2014 | Auction Link

Celebrity provenance helps elevate the price of any car at auction. This car was previously owned by two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson.

26 | $51,700 | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet sold for $51,700 at a Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale sale in  2006  | Auction Link
This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet sold for $51,700 at a Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale sale in  2006  | Auction Link

Barrett-Jackson | Scottsdale, 2006 | Auction Link

25 | $52,800 | 1959 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

NO IMAGE AVAILABLE

Christies, Pebble Beach, August, 2007 | No Link

24 | $52,800 | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Cabriolet sold for $52,800 at Bonhams' 2016 Amelia Island sale | Auction Link
This 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Cabriolet sold for $52,800 at Bonhams' 2016 Amelia Island sale | Auction Link

Bonhams | Amelia Island, 2016 | Auction Link

23 | $54,600 | 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $54,600 at an online Finest Automobile Auction in April, 2016
This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $54,600 at an online Finest Automobile Auction in April, 2016

Finest Automobile Auctions (Defunct) | Online, April, 2016 | No Auction Link

22 | $55,000 | 1963 Volkswagen Beetle

This 1963 Volkswagen Beetle Herbie from the TV movie sold for $55,000 at a Mecum Indianapolis sale in May, 2016 | Auction Link
This 1963 Volkswagen Beetle Herbie from the TV movie sold for $55,000 at a Mecum Indianapolis sale in May, 2016 | Auction Link

Mecum | Indianapolis, May, 2016 | Auction Link

21 | $55,000 | 1951 Volkswagen Beetle

This 1951 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $55,000 at Gooding & Co's 2018 Scottsdale sale | Auction Link
This 1951 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $55,000 at Gooding & Co's 2018 Scottsdale sale | Auction Link

Gooding & Co | Scottsdale, January, 2018 | Auction Link

20 | $58,300 | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $58,300 at a Barrett-Jackson 2014 Las Vegas sale | Auction Link
This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $58,300 at a Barrett-Jackson 2014 Las Vegas sale | Auction Link

Barrett-Jackson | Las Vegas, 2014 | Auction Link

19 | $61,600 | 1957 Volkswagen Beetle

This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle and matching Sears Roebuck Allstate one wheel trailer sold for $61,600 at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale 2018 auction after selling for $55,000 at Mecum in a Las Vegas 2017 Auction
This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle and matching Sears Roebuck Allstate one wheel trailer sold for $61,600 at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale 2018 auction after selling for $55,000 at Mecum in a Las Vegas 2017 Auction

Barrett-Jackson | Scottsdale, 2018 | Auction Link

Also sold for $55,000 at Mecum in a Las Vegas 2017 Auction

18 | $62,345 (€58,240) | 1952 Volkswagen Beetle

This  highly original 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $62,345 (€58,240) at RM-Sothebys' 2017 February Paris auction | Auction Link
This  highly original 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $62,345 (€58,240) at RM-Sothebys' 2017 February Paris auction | Auction Link

RM-Sothebys | Paris, February, 2017 | Auction Link

17 | $63,800 | 1951 Volkswagen Beetle

Gooding & Co has sold a number of the most valuable Beetles, including this thirteenth ranked (most valuable) 1951 Volkswagen Beetle which fetched  $63,800 at Amelia Island in March, 2016 | Auction Link
Gooding & Co has sold a number of the most valuable Beetles, including this thirteenth ranked (most valuable) 1951 Volkswagen Beetle which fetched  $63,800 at Amelia Island in March, 2016 | Auction Link

Gooding & Co | Amelia Island, March, 2016 | Auction Link

16 | $65,000 | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This  1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $65,000 at Mecum's Monterey 2017 sale. | Auction Link
This  1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sold for $65,000 at Mecum's Monterey 2017 sale. | Auction Link

Mecum | Monterey, August, 2017 | Auction Link

15 | $66,000 | 1952 Volkswagen Beetle

This 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at RM-Sothebys' Arizona, sale in January, 2016 | Auction Link
This 1952 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at RM-Sothebys' Arizona, sale in January, 2016 | Auction Link

RM-Sothebys | Arizona, January, 2016 | Auction Link

14 | $66,000 | 1953 Volkswagen Beetle

Fetching $66,000, this 1953 Volkswagen 'Zwitter' Beetle is one of the ten most valuable Beetles to have ever sold at auction. RM-Sothebys sold it in Scottsdale 2013 | Auction Link
Fetching $66,000, this 1953 Volkswagen 'Zwitter' Beetle is one of the ten most valuable Beetles to have ever sold at auction. RM-Sothebys sold it in Scottsdale 2013 | Auction Link

RM-Sothebys | Arizona, January, 2013 | Auction Link

13 | $66,000 | 1963 Volkswagen Beetle

The fourth most valuable Herbie ever sold at auction, and equal ninth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold. This 1963 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at a Gooding & Co Scottsdale auction in 2012 | Auction Link
The fourth most valuable Herbie ever sold at auction, and equal ninth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold. This 1963 Volkswagen Beetle sold for $66,000 at a Gooding & Co Scottsdale auction in 2012 | Auction Link

Gooding & Co | Scottsdale, January, 2012 | Auction Link

12 | $66,000 | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

Gooding & Co has sold a number of the most valuable Beetles, including this ninth ranked (most valuable) 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible which fetched  $66,000 at Scottsdale in 2015 | Auction Link
Gooding & Co has sold a number of the most valuable Beetles, including this ninth ranked (most valuable) 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible which fetched  $66,000 at Scottsdale in 2015 | Auction Link

Gooding & Co | Scottsdale, January, 2015 | Auction Link

11 | $66,125 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

The eighth most valuable Beetle ever sold was this 1954 Volkswagen Beetle 1200 Deluxe Cabriolet which fetched $66,125 at an RM-Sothebys auction in Madison, Georgia during February, 2013 | Auction Link
The eighth most valuable Beetle ever sold was this 1954 Volkswagen Beetle 1200 Deluxe Cabriolet which fetched $66,125 at an RM-Sothebys auction in Madison, Georgia during February, 2013 | Auction Link

RM-Sothebys | Madison, Georgia, February, 2013 | Auction Link

10 | $71,500 | 1958 Volkswagen Beetle

Gooding & Co has sold a number of the most valuable Beetles, including this seventh ranked (most valuable) 1958 Beetle which fetched  $71,500 at Pebble Beach in 2016 | Auction Link
Gooding & Co has sold a number of the most valuable Beetles, including this seventh ranked (most valuable) 1958 Beetle which fetched  $71,500 at Pebble Beach in 2016 | Auction Link

Gooding & Co | Pebble Beach, August, 2016 | Auction Link

9 | $72,000 | 1963 Volkswagen Beetle

The third most valuable Herbie ever sold, and sixth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle, this was the Nascar Herbie hero car and fetched $72,000 at Mecum's Indianapolis auction in May, 2016 | Auction Link
The third most valuable Herbie ever sold, and sixth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle, this was the Nascar Herbie hero car and fetched $72,000 at Mecum's Indianapolis auction in May, 2016 | Auction Link

Mecum | Indianapolis, May, 2016 | Auction Link

8 | $72,800 | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $72,800 at RM-Sothebys' 2018 Amelia Island auction | Auction Link
This 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann sold for $72,800 at RM-Sothebys' 2018 Amelia Island auction | Auction Link

RM-Sothebys | Amelia Island, March, 2018 | Auction Link

7 | $77,000 | 1963 Volkswagen Beetle

Mecum | Montery, August 2018 | Auction Link

6 | $82,500 | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

This 1955 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann is currently the fourth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold at auction, fetching $82,500 at RM-Sothebys' 2015 Amelia Island auction. | Auction Link
This 1955 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann is currently the fourth most valuable Volkswagen Beetle ever sold at auction, fetching $82,500 at RM-Sothebys' 2015 Amelia Island auction. | Auction Link

RM-Sothebys | Amelia Island, March, 2015 | Auction Link

5 | $86,250 | 1963 Volkswagen Beetle

Third place on our all-time Beetle value listing is the "Invisible Driver" stunt car used in Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo which fetched $86,250 at a Bonhams New York Movie Memorabilia auction in November, 2015. The car had previously been to auction on eBay just 12 months prior and sold for $55,250 at that time. The involvement of a world class auction company rather than appreciation in value is the primary variable in that equation, though we have discussed the auction winner's curse previously.
Third place on our all-time Beetle value listing is the "Invisible Driver" stunt car used in Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo which fetched $86,250 at a Bonhams New York Movie Memorabilia auction in November, 2015. The car had previously been to auction on eBay just 12 months prior and sold for $55,250 at that time. The involvement of a world class auction company rather than appreciation in value is the primary variable in that equation, though we have discussed the auction winner's curse previously.

Bonhams | New York, November, 2015 | Auction Link

4 | $93,500 | 1964 Volkswagen Beetle

Mecum | Montery, August 2018 | Auction Link

3 | $107,250 | 1961 Volkswagen Beetle

Mecum | Montery, August 2018 | Auction Link

2 | $121,000 | 1960 Volkswagen Beetle

Celebrity provenance always attracts a premium at auction, and almost everybody didn't see this 1960 Volkswagen Beetle coming, including one of the world's most astute Tier One auction houses which estimated it would sell for $35,000 to $55,000. The disguising factor was that is went to auction amongst a gaggle of delectable Porches from the collection of comedian Jerry Seinfeld, and while the big money enthusiasts were all focussed on the Porsches, Jerry's humble 1960 Beetle became the seond most valuable Beetle of all time, fetching $121,000. It seems that the lower the base value of a car, the higher the multiplication factor associated with celebrity ownership.  | Auction Link
Celebrity provenance always attracts a premium at auction, and almost everybody didn't see this 1960 Volkswagen Beetle coming, including one of the world's most astute Tier One auction houses which estimated it would sell for $35,000 to $55,000. The disguising factor was that is went to auction amongst a gaggle of delectable Porches from the collection of comedian Jerry Seinfeld, and while the big money enthusiasts were all focussed on the Porsches, Jerry's humble 1960 Beetle became the seond most valuable Beetle of all time, fetching $121,000. It seems that the lower the base value of a car, the higher the multiplication factor associated with celebrity ownership.  | Auction Link

Gooding & Co | Amelia Island, March, 2016 | Auction Link

As previously mentioned, celebrity provenance always attracts a premium at auction, and almost everybody didn't see this 1960 Volkswagen Beetle coming, including one of the world's most astute Tier One auction houses which estimated it would sell for $35,000 to $55,000. The disguising factor was that is went to auction among a gaggle of delectable Porches from the collection of comedian Jerry Seinfeld. It seems that the lower the base value of a car, the higher the multiplication factor associated with celebrity ownership.

1 | $128,700 | 1963 Volkswagen Beetle

Barrett-Jackson holds the record for a number of makes and models and the entertainment first aspects of the company's auction format are without parallel. That's Herbie being sold for a record first time around.
Barrett-Jackson holds the record for a number of makes and models and the entertainment first aspects of the company's auction format are without parallel. That's Herbie being sold for a record first time around.

Barrett-Jackson | Palm Beach, April 2018 | Full story and links

Only three times in history has a Volkswagen Beetle sold for more than US$100,000 and this car has done it twice. It is also entrenched in our list of the most valuable movie and TV cars. A humble and lovable peoples' car at the top of it's game.

00 | $230,724 (€149,500) | 1944 Volkswagen Schwimmwagen

A very close relation to the Beetle, but we're not counting in this list because it isn't close enough. Indeed, Porsche's Type 60 could be considered the common ancestor of the Volkswagen Beetle, and both the WW2 German army's Kübelwagen and this 1944 amphibious 4WD Schwimmwagen. Schwimmwagens are rare because so very few survived the war, with this car fetching $230,724 (€149,500) and other recent auction results including $138,712 (kr840,000) by RM-Sothebys in Denmark, and $141,743 (€110,000) by Pierre Bergé & Associés in Brussels in 2013.
A very close relation to the Beetle, but we're not counting in this list because it isn't close enough. Indeed, Porsche's Type 60 could be considered the common ancestor of the Volkswagen Beetle, and both the WW2 German army's Kübelwagen and this 1944 amphibious 4WD Schwimmwagen. Schwimmwagens are rare because so very few survived the war, with this car fetching $230,724 (€149,500) and other recent auction results including $138,712 (kr840,000) by RM-Sothebys in Denmark, and $141,743 (€110,000) by Pierre Bergé & Associés in Brussels in 2013.

Bonhams | Monaco, May, 2008 | Auction Link

A very close relation to the Beetle, but we're not counting in this list because it isn't close enough. Indeed, Porsche's Type 60 could be considered the common ancestor of the Volkswagen Beetle, and both the WW2 German army's Kübelwagen and this amphibious 4WD Schwimmwagen. Schwimmwagens are rare because so very few survived the war, with other recent auction results including $138,712 (KR840,000) by RM-Sothebys in Denmark, and $141,743 (€110,000) by Pierre Bergé & Associés in Brussels in 2013.

No Sale | 1949 Volkswagen Hebmüller Type 14A Cabriolet

This 1949 Volkswagen Hebmuller Type 14A Beetle Cabriolet received a bid of $250,000 during Mecum's Monterey auction in August,2016, but failed to sell because the bid was below the reserve price of $300,000.
This 1949 Volkswagen Hebmuller Type 14A Beetle Cabriolet received a bid of $250,000 during Mecum's Monterey auction in August,2016, but failed to sell because the bid was below the reserve price of $300,000.

Mecum | Monterey, 2016 | Auction Link

The two-door Hebmüller Cabriolet was built from June 1949 to February, 1953 by the coachbuilding company Karosseriewerke Joseph Hebmüller Söhne and only 696 of these cars were produced. This 1949 Volkswagen Hebmüller Type 14A Beetle Cabriolet received a bid of $250,000 during Mecum's Monterey auction in August,2016, but failed to sell because the bid was below the reserve price of $300,000.

No Sale | 1943 KDF Type 60 Beetle

This 1943 KDF Type 60 Beetle is the earliest to ever reach auction. With an official estimate of $275,000 to $350,000, it failed to meet reserve during The Finest's Elegance at Hershey auction in 2016. The reserve price is believed to have been $275,000.
This 1943 KDF Type 60 Beetle is the earliest to ever reach auction. With an official estimate of $275,000 to $350,000, it failed to meet reserve during The Finest's Elegance at Hershey auction in 2016. The reserve price is believed to have been $275,000.

Finest Automobile Auctions (Defunct) | Hershey, June, 2016 | No auction link

This 1943 KDF Type 60 Beetle is the earliest to ever reach auction. With an official estimate of $275,000 to $350,000, it failed to meet reserve during The Finest's Elegance at Hershey auction in 2016. The reserve price is believed to have been $275,000.

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AutomotiveVolkswagenBonhamsBeetleGooding & CoArtcurialMecumBarrett-jacksonRM-SothebysPierre Berge & Assoc
Mike Hanlon
Mike Hanlon
As a photojournalist, Mike’s work was published in a dozen languages across 20+ countries. He went on to edit or manage over 50 different print publications, each with a different target audience: sports, automotive, advertising, marketing, design, ad infinitum. Mike has been working in the internet for more than 20 years and was the veteran of five internet start-ups before founding New Atlas in 2002.
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