1949 Volkswagen Sedan

01

Artifact Overview

The Volkswagen Beetle was different from any American car. It looked like an insect, its engine was where the trunk should be, and it didn't have a radiator. But it recalled the spirit of Henry Ford's legendary Model T. Both cars were simple, reliable, economical, and never deviated from their basic original design. The VW would go on to break the Ford's all-time sales record.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1949

Place of Creation

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

82.47.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Material

Metal
Glass (Material)
Rubber (Material)

Color

Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 61.0 in
Width: 60.5 in
Length: 160.0 in
Wheelbase: 94.5 in

Inscriptions

On hubcaps: VW emblem

Specifications

Make & Model: 1949 Volkswagen sedan
Maker: Volkswagenwerk GmbH, Wolfsburg, West Germany
Engine: horizontally opposed 4, overhead valves, 69 cubic inches
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Height: 61 inches
Wheelbase: 94.5 inches
Width: 60.5 inches
Overall length: 160 inches
Weight: 1600 pounds
Horsepower: 30 at 3300 revolutions per minute
Pounds per horsepower: 53.3
Price: $1,280
Average 1949 wage: $3,000 per year
Time you'd work to buy this car: about 5 months