The Rarity of the Beetle Avallone Convertible

If you are passionate about classic cars and the history of Brazilian motorsports, you will certainly be enchanted by Beetle Avallone Cabriolet. This is a rare example of creativity and innovation in the national automobile industry. Created by the driver and constructor Antonio Carlos de Bugelli Avallone (1933-2002), the Brazilian convertible was a bold attempt to fill the gap left by the classic German Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet, which stopped being produced in 1980.

Inspiration from Germany

The first Beetle Cabriolet was produced in Germany in 1938, the result of the work of Ferdinand Porsche It is Wilhelm Karmann. Despite the imminence of World War II, the first units of the model left the assembly line Karmann, in Osnabruck, only in September 1949. More than 330,000 units were produced until January 1980, consolidating the model as an icon.

When the German Beetle Cabriolet ceased production, the Brazilian market, which was then closed to imports, saw an opportunity arise. It was in this context that Aciei (Avallone Commercial, Industrial, Exporting and Importing) launched the Avallone Cabriolet, seeking to meet the demand for convertibles.

The Brazilian Project

A I accepted, headquartered near the Interlagos race track, was already recognized for the high quality of its projects, such as Avallone TF, a replica of the English MG TF, awarded in the 1978 Geneva Motor Show. Thus, the Avallone Cabriolet was designed with the same care and attention to detail.

The transformation of the Beetle into a convertible involved modifying the bodywork to include elements in fiberglass reinforced plastic, such as the central part and the doors. The front and rear hoods, fenders and dashboard were kept in stamped steel, taking advantage of the original structure of the Beetle.

To compensate for the loss of structural rigidity caused by the removal of the roof, reinforcements similar to those of the original German design. These reinforcements included four steel columns attached to a metal platform made of folded sheets, ensuring greater safety and stability for the car.

Details that make a difference

One of the highlights of the Avallone Cabriolet was the care taken with the finishes. The windows, for example, were personalized with the manufacturer's name engraved and frames that allowed for faster operation. In just two turns of the crank, you could completely open or close the windows.

A curvim hood, with perfect acoustic insulation, it brought comfort and practicality, being fixed by just two locks on the windshield frame. However, when lowered, it took up a lot of space behind the rear seat, impairing rear visibility.

The extra weight of the structural reinforcements ended up improving the car dynamics, resulting in a lower center of gravity. This made the Avallone Cabriolet more stable in curves, although it slightly compromised agility during acceleration.

Personalization and Exclusivity

Each Avallone Cabriolet was unique and could be customized with a wide range of equipment provided by Dacon Inc., the São Paulo dealership where the car was sold. Among the items available, you could find:

• Auxiliary headlights;
• Alloy wheels;
• Radial tires;
• Metallic paint;
• Leather seats;
• Sound and air conditioning systems;
• Bigger, more powerful engines.

With all these options, the price of the Avallone Cabriolet came to 60% more than the conventional Beetle. Converting to current values, a car that cost R$ 30,000 could reach R$ 48,000, adjusted for inflation and considering collectible status.

Decline and Rarity

Unfortunately, the Avallone Cabriolet did not achieve the expected success. The forecast for production 50 monthly units never materialized due to low demand and high production costs. The lack of support from Volkswagen It was also a determining factor for Antonio Carlos Avallone to decide to migrate to other markets, such as limousines.

A economic crisis of the 1980s also did not forgive small national manufacturers. Without working capital, the I accepted closed its doors in 1988. Today, the few remaining units of the Avallone Cabriolet are highly valued by collectors, reaching values above R$ 300,000 at auctions and private sales.

A Legacy That Lives On

O Beetle Avallone Cabriolet It is more than just a car: it is a little piece of Brazilian history. It reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of a visionary man and the passion that Brazilians have for automobiles. Today, if you are lucky enough to find one of these rarities, you will be acquiring a true work of art on wheels.