WARNING.— The person in whose name this vehicle is displayed may or may not be the current owner of the vehicle. Readers are warned, therefore, that this entry is not proof of ownership.
Details
- Registration Mark
- ZM 4211
- (a) Type:
- Type 1
- (b) Year:
- 1954
- (c) Colour:
- Green
- (d) Paint code:
- ?
- (e) Engine CCs:
- ?
History
- (a) Country of origin:
- Ireland
- (b) County first reg'd:
- Galway
- (c) Current or last known location:
- Kilmainham, circa 1964
Model information
Oval Window Beetle
Info
Bought from Rooney’s Garage, Tuam, Co. Galway by my father circa 1955 ZM4211 was an ex-display or showroom model. It was an Irish built Oval rear window Beetle, with the 30HP air-cooled engine, 6v battery, single exhaust, semaphores, front ‘boot’ containing Petrol tank, black perspex sun visor.
We frequently crossed the border in 1955/56 between Blacklion, Co Cavan and Bellcoo, Co Fermanagh. The Customs Officers always checked the engine and chassis numbers against the log book despite knowing the family and car. We, as children had to get out of the car so that the chassis number could be read as it was located under the rear seat.
As children, we frequently got into the luggage space behind the back of the rear seat to enable adults to get a lift from mass.
The car was maintained by Cathal Duffy Motors, Mill Street, Westport, Co Mayo, when the family moved there. The car was sold to a Garda stationed in Kilmainham Garda Station circa 1964 and we lost track of it.
**thanks to the reader for submitting the photo of his old family car and for recalling some of the fantastic family stories to go with it. It’s these real-life stories that bring the photos to life. I know I can recall doing the exact same thing, jumping in behind the back seat while travelling in my aunt’s Beetle in the ’80s!!**
Additional Photos
