How an Engine Saved a 1949 Beetle

If you are passionate about classic cars, get ready for a story that combines rarity, patience and dedication. This is the story of Jorge Cirne, a passionate collector who rescued a VW Beetle 1949, one of the oldest in Brazil, thanks to the discovery of its original engine.

An Unparalleled Rarity

Jorge started the conversation by highlighting the rarity of his vehicle: “It's a very interesting little car and, as far as I know, there are only three in Brazil.” According to him, his Beetle, manufactured in February 1949, shares the title of relic with two other models: one supposedly located in Brasília and the other in Minas Gerais. However, he has never seen documentation or photos proving the existence of these other models.

Jorge's 1949 Beetle, however, is real and documented. Its acquisition involved persistence and luck, but above all, a passion for historic vehicles was the main driving force behind this journey.

The Beginning of the Journey

The story began unexpectedly. Jorge found a VW 1100 engine for sale on Mercado Livre. This engine, with 1,131 cm³ and 25 hp, caught his attention because, despite already having Split Window (1953) and Oval (1955) models, he did not have any car with this engine configuration.

After finishing the engine, An unexpected dialogue with the seller revealed an intriguing detail: the engine belonged to a 1949 VW Beetle. This discovery was the trigger for months of negotiation and persistence, culminating in a fierce auction.

Last Second Purchase

During the auction, Jorge faced an unexpected challenge. He was in transit at the airport, boarding a flight to Salvador. Even so, he and his son connected to an Internet café to watch the auction. Adrenaline took over when, in the final seconds, Jorge managed to win the Beetle.

This was just the beginning of a new stage, as what he found when he received the car was a vehicle in extremely precarious conditions.

A Beetle in Critical Condition

When the Beetle finally arrived in Salvador, reality was a shock. Despite the photos sent by the seller and the car's original license plate, the condition of the vehicle was desolate. The bodywork was compromised, and many components would need to be replaced or restored.

Still, Jorge was not discouraged. “I knew I was looking at a unique piece and that it would be worth every effort.”

The Restoration: A Labor of Love

Jorge decided that the Beetle deserved a meticulous and high standard restoration. He mobilized his network and sought out experts who could help bring the car back to its original glory. The restoration involved:

• Complete body reconstruction, respecting the original factory characteristics.
• 1100 engine restoration, maintaining all technical and aesthetic details.
• Search for original parts in collectors' markets and international auctions.

The process took years, but the result was extraordinary. Today, Jorge's Beetle is a museum piece, in impeccable condition.

Jorge's Collection

In addition to the 1949 Beetle, Jorge owns an impressive collection. He owns a VW Beetle of each decade, in addition to European, American and national vehicles, totaling more than 100 cars. This diversity reflects their passion for historic automobiles and their dedication to preserving automotive history.

An Invaluable Value

If you are wondering how much a rarity like this is worth, know that it is practically impossible to assign an exact price. On the international market, A restored 1949 VW Beetle could sell for over R$1.5 million. However, for Jorge, the true value lies in rescuing history and the personal satisfaction of preserving a piece of the past.

Conclusion

This story shows how A passion for classic cars can turn challenges into achievements. The rescue of the 1949 VW Beetle is not only a personal victory for Jorge, but also a gift for everyone who values automotive history.

If you’re also an enthusiast, why not take inspiration from this journey? Who knows, maybe the next classic to be saved will be waiting for you at an auction or in a forgotten garage?

Preserve the past. Value history. And above all, keep the passion alive.