@ all regarding the '51-'52 Split VW Beetle.
I checked out the chassis/body numbers and it turned out to be an early 1952 (i.e., manufactured in early 1952) and I think it's a standard model, with cable brakes and originally without the chrome fittings etc.
I was sorely tempted by this and again after it for many years but the price was too high (as compared to my then budget). The only problem is, as far as I remember (talking March-April 2007) is that one entire section of the floorpan was missing. Apparently it has its original 25hp engine in bits and pieces.
It's a beautiful car and I hope it goes to a proper home where someone will lovingly restore it and take care of it. By that I mean DRIVE it like it was intended to. Not stuff it away in an anonymous collection of 'classic cars' for the sake of collecting.
I used to drive my '57 ragtop oval back in the day to work and back every day, even though the cable brakes meant stopping it was a little tricky in traffic. Almost every time I went to refuel it, I'd have people stop and ask me about it...even a couple of 'is it for sale' stickies on the windshield.
I think it IS the oldest (known) VW in Pakistan, but there could be even earlier ones out there, somewhere, unknown to to our greedy prying eyes.
Volkswagen officially (RHD and all) began importing cars to Pakistan from 1954 onwards until 1974 or so, and had amazing sales for 20 odd years. There could be a few 'grey' import pre-'54s around.
