1950 Split Sunroof

KÄFER PORSCHE

Classic and sporty in just the right measure, a rare Type 11G Sedan receives period accessories and modern solutions to tackle streets and highways with comfort and safety

A project with multiple pedigrees. It begins with the raw material: a rare 1950 Split Window Type 11G, the “G” designation standing for “Sedan Export/Deluxe Sunroof Saloon LHD”—in other words, a genuine deluxe 1950 Beetle equipped from the factory with an original Golde sunroof. Next comes the inspiration: the legendary Porsche 356 lineage, the pioneer of Stuttgart’s sports cars. Finally, there is the impressive background of the man behind the concept: Eduardo Ohara, 74 years old, one of the pioneers of Brazil’s air-cooled Volkswagen movement. Involved with customization since the late 1960s, he is a founding member and former president of the Fusca Clube do Brasil and has drawn inspiration directly from some of the world’s most influential scenes, attending events and visiting shops and workshops in Japan (where he once lived), the United States, and Europe.

The end result is no ordinary Beetle, boasting the rare ability to blend classic styling with a strong sporting character. “I’ve known this car since 1984, but after several missed opportunities I was only able to buy it in 2003. The structure was relatively solid, but it needed a complete restoration. It took nine long years of hard work before everything was finished,” recalls Ohara.

Beyond the Type 11G identification, the plate mounted in the spare wheel well reveals that the Sedan was built in Germany in December 1950. Since it only arrived in Brazil the following year, the registration documents identify it as a 1951 model. “Interestingly, that is also the year stamped on the current chassis, which at some point was installed by a previous owner in place of the original one,” explains the enthusiast, who purchased the car with a very personal goal in mind: to build a project focused on comfort and safety for regular driving.

And it is fair to say that Ohara carefully considered every detail in adapting the 1950 Beetle to modern road conditions. “This car has several interesting features,” he points out, referring to details such as the presence of two different horns. “In the city, I use the original Porsche horn, while on the highway I switch to a Mercedes unit, which is much louder,” he says with a smile.

The list of upgrades continues. “For rainy conditions, the modern windshield wiper offers two speeds. For light drizzle, it also has an intermittent setting,” he explains. “During the day I enjoy the comfort of the German air-conditioning system. At night, I simply open the moonroof,” jokes Ohara, referring to the traditional Golde folding fabric sunroof with which the Sedan left the assembly line in December 1950.

Safety was another priority. The originally modest lighting system was upgraded with auxiliary driving lamps up front, along with rear fog and reverse lights. “Besides that, I installed an additional turn-signal system that works together with the taillights and lights integrated inside the headlamp lenses. But I kept the elegant semaphore indicators and still use them occasionally when I want to show off a little.”

SOPHISTICATED DETAILS

Anyone familiar with Porsche DNA will immediately recognize many of the interior details adopted by Ohara. The steering wheel and dashboard instruments are obvious examples, but the influence extends to subtler features such as the seat stitching pattern, the interior grab handle, and the door pockets.

“Everything follows the original Porsche 356 standard,” notes the owner.

The Stuttgart sports car also donated inspiration for the 10-slot ventilated wheels with smooth hubcaps (wrapped in 165R15 radial tires), the centrally positioned single-exit exhaust, the leather strap securing the spare wheel in the trunk, and, believe it or not, even the twin windshield washer jets.

“They’re small details, but they enrich the overall package,” says Ohara.

Described by its creator as a “NipoBrasLook,” the stylish 1950 Sedan also incorporates modern solutions borrowed from other vehicles, most of them Japanese, reflecting the builder’s own heritage.

The front seats come from a Honda Fit, which also supplied the height-adjustable three-point seatbelts,” explains Ohara. “In fact, adapting those seatbelts forced me to create what is probably the world’s smallest ‘oh-shit handle,’” he laughs, referring to the tiny grab handle mounted on the B-pillar.

One particularly unusual feature is the right-side exterior mirror. “It comes from Beetles sold in Japan,” assures the enthusiast. “Viewed from outside, people assume it’s completely out of adjustment. But once you sit behind the wheel, you realize it doesn’t require you to turn your neck nearly as much because it sits ahead of the windshield pillar, directly within the driver’s line of sight.”

Power comes from a 1,600cc dual-carburetor ethanol engine purchased brand-new from a Volkswagen dealership. “I relocated the cold-start gasoline reservoir to the trunk and had ventilation slots added to the rear decklid, hidden behind the license plate, to improve airflow to the engine compartment. The brakes were also upgraded,” explains the owner.

Handling and safety were further improved through the installation of two beam adjust and a rear anti-roll bar.

One detail that often goes unnoticed—but perfectly illustrates how meticulous the project was—is the handmade rear decklid.

“The original period air-conditioning compressor is much larger than modern units. To install it, I had two choices: either create a bulge in the decklid or drive with it slightly open,” recalls Ohara.

Instead, he chose a third and far more difficult solution: fabricating an entirely new steel decklid with a subtle outward contour, while also incorporating the hidden ventilation openings behind the license plate.

“The decklid is considerably heavier than the original because the sheet metal used is quite thick. The bodyman’s work is a true piece of art. Purists look at the rear and don’t even notice the modification because it blends in so perfectly,” he says with a smile.

A FAMILY PASSION

According to Ohara, the project was built upon three pillars: passion, determination, and Oriental patience.

As a matter of fact, enthusiasm for classic Volkswagens runs throughout the entire family.

“My brothers Hélio and Carlos, along with my cousins Paulo and Nelson, already had customized and highly modified Beetles back in the 1960s Loucos,” recalls the enthusiast.

“In the early seventies, Nelson owned what was probably the fastest Beetle in São Paulo, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds! It outran imported cars and the six-cylinder Opalas that gathered at the old Deck snack bar, a meeting point for an entire generation on Nove de Julho Avenue.”

He also points out that the air-conditioning system currently installed in his Sedan has been in the family for more than four decades.

“It was brought from Germany by my late brother Carlos, who installed it in his hot-rodded Beetle back in the 1960s.”

Despite his advancing age, Ohara still enjoys driving his unique 1950 Split whenever possible, including at some of Brazil’s most prestigious events, where it almost invariably comes away with an award.

Yet, according to him, no trophy can compare to the satisfaction of owning and enjoying a rare, highly desirable automobile built precisely to match his own ambitions.