1954 | Volkswagen Beetle 1200 Export "Oval"

Highlights:

• Race car at the Carrera Panamericana
• Delivered in Los Angeles
• Skittles Racing Team

A Legendary Beetle with Motorsport History: 1954 VW Beetle from the Carrera Panamericana

This extraordinary 1954 VW Beetle is far more than just a classic – it is a piece of motorsport history. Originally delivered by Competition Motors in Hollywood, it shares a special connection with James Dean’s legendary Porsche 550, which was sold at the same time and at the same dealership. A true treasure for lovers of details and “nerd knowledge.”

The 1996 Carrera Panamericana: A Beetle in the Skittles Team

In 1996, Mars created a unique racing team consisting of four oval-window VW Beetles for the legendary Carrera Panamericana. Each Beetle shone in a different, bright color, perfectly matching the promotion of their famous candy, Skittles. This Beetle successfully completed the notorious race through Mexico. However, the adventure didn’t end with fame and glory – after the race, it was abandoned in a backyard in Mexico, where it spent a long time alongside another vehicle, NR281.

A Second Life: From Mexico to Austria

In 2014, both Beetles were sold together to a collector in America. Their paths soon separated when they were sold to two different collectors. The current owner discovered this special car in the USA in 2016, purchased it, and brought it to Austria, where it was registered.

The Beetle in Detail

During its race at the Carrera Panamericana, the Beetle was powered by an original 30-horsepower engine. Today, it runs on a more powerful 1.6-liter engine, giving it more dynamism on modern roads. However, it proudly wears the marks of its eventful history: beneath the pink paint, traces of the original paint are still visible. The roof and trunk lid show signs of the intense Mexican sun, which burned through the paint.

Current Condition

The Beetle is currently not roadworthy, but that does not make it any less of an impressive collector’s item. It awaits a passionate enthusiast to bring it back to life – an exciting project that will preserve and continue its unique story.

This Beetle is not just a car but a storyteller. From the Hollywood glamour of the 1950s, through the scorching stages of the Carrera Panamericana, to its current home in Austria – it is a witness to history that makes Beetle fans’ hearts beat faster worldwide.