Welcome back, Volkswagen fans! Lexie here, your guide to all things VW. Today, we’re diving into the world of one of Volkswagen’s rarest and most intriguing gems: the Volkswagen Type 14A, commonly known as the Hebmüller Cabriolet. If you have any questions or just want to chat about cars, you can reach me at lexie@mankatomotors.com or (507) 344-6984! Now let’s dive into this very rare Volkswagen beetle!
The Beetle That Turned Heads in 1949
The Stage is Set: It’s the late 1940s, and the world is slowly recovering from World War II. Amidst the backdrop of post-war Europe, the European Recovery Program was recently established to help the economy and people rebuild. Among them, a small German coachbuilder named Joseph Hebmüller II and Sons decides to sprinkle some magic dust on the beloved Volkswagen Beetle. The result? The sporty, stylish, and oh-so-charming Hebmüller Cabriolet.
The Birth of a Classic Beauty
The creation of the Hebmüller Cabriolet begins with British Army Major Ivan Hirst of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). While overseeing Volkswagen after the war, Hirst had a chat with Colonel Michael McEvoy about creating a sporty model car based on the Beetle Type 1. The idea intrigued Volkswagen’s experimental team, and soon, a two-seat cabriolet prototype was born.
This prototype, known as the Radclyffe Cabriolet, caught the eye of Volkswagen’s managing director, Heinz Nordhoff. With Nordhoff’s blessing, Hebmüller and Karmann were tasked with building these elegant cabriolets, using as many Type 1 parts as possible.
A Star is Born
The Hebmüller Cabriolet, or Type 14A, made its debut in June 1949. It shared many mechanical components with the Beetle saloon, including the Type 1’s 19-kilowatt (26 PS; 25 bhp) petrol engine and mechanical brakes. However, it stood out with its symmetrical decklid, trunk lid and semaphore turn signals.
This beauty wasn’t just about looks. It passed a grueling 6,214-mile (10,000-kilometer in Germany) rough road test, earning a production order for 2,000 units. Despite its promising start, a factory fire in July of 1949 slowed production, and by 1953, only 696 units were made, including prototypes.
Did you know: Due to the fire, Hebmüller did rebuild, but never fully recovered from the financial loss. By 1952 the remaining production of the Hebmüller Cabriolet was sent over to Karmann. Resulting in the Hebmüller factory being sold to Ford Motor Company.
Fun Fact: Today, it is believed that only around 100 of these rare beauties have survived the test of time! If you have one, keep it!
A Splash of Color and Class
The Hebmüller Cabriolet came in a variety of colors, from single-tone black, red, and white to two-tone combinations like black and red, black and ivory, black and yellow, and red and ivory. For an extra charge, buyers could even choose their own color combinations!
Did you Know: Inside, included upscale features like a removable Telefunken radio, a picnic accessories kit, and a porcelain flower vase for the dashboard. Talk about fancy and a feeling of luxury!
The Hebmüller Legacy
Founded in 1889 in Wuppertal, Germany, Hebmüller originally built horse-drawn carriages. Joseph Hebmüller’s sons took over after his passing in 1919, transitioning the company to automobiles. The company flourished in the 1920s and 1930s, collaborating with Ford, Hanomag, and Delahaye.
Fun Fact: During the war, they used their woodworking skills to create wooden decoy planes. It is definitely an interesting way to survive during a war.
A Collector’s Dream
Today, the Hebmüller Cabriolet is one of the rarest air-cooled VW Beetles. At a Mecum’s Monterey auction in 2016, one of the surviving models received a bid of $250,000, though it didn’t meet the reserve price of at least $300,000. This scarcity and its charming history make it a coveted piece for collectors and Volkswagen enthusiasts alike.
So, there you have it—a brief glimpse into the fascinating world of the Volkswagen Type 14A, the Hebmüller Cabriolet. It’s a story of innovation, style, and a touch of post-war whimsy that still captures hearts today. If you’re as enchanted by this classic or want to learn more about the newest models, let’s chat! Reach out to me, Lexie, at lexie@mankatomotors.com or (507) 344-6984. Until next time, happy driving!
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