Rare Parts Database

Judson Supercharger

Since 1880, the Judson family has been active in mechanical and electrical engineering. W. Haddon Judson was the prime mover in the development of the company and in the technical innovation of the supercharger aided by his brother Charles. New models were added steadily over the years until the full range included superchargers for MG TD, TF and MGA, Renault Dauphine, Triumph TR3 and 4, Mercedes 190SL, Volvo, Austin-Healey Sprite, the Corvair and of course two versions for Volkswagens.

EMPI Parts

In the early 1950s Joe Vittone began a small import car (and motorcycle) dealership called Economotors in Riverside, Calif., one of America's earliest VW dealerships. Vittone focused on the economic transportation of the relatively new Volkswagen, a refreshing change from the big-finned Detroit cars being produced domestically at the time. Tired of inefficient cars that were more geared toward power and luxury and lacked engineering grace, Vittone and his dealership offered his customers a place in the infant VW aftermarket industry where they could find high-performance engine parts like stroker cranks, big bore pistons, dual port heads, legendary 48 IDA Webers and Speedwell's magnesium BRM wheels. Economotors (and later EMPI) pioneered the phenomenal developments of the Volkswagen's popularity among economic drivers and backyard mechanics.

Speedwell Parts

Speedwell accessories in the 1960s became a hallmark of British tuning culture, adding a touch of racing flair to everyday cars. Their wood-rim steering wheels, drilled pedals, and performance gauges gave small sports cars—especially Minis and Sprites—a more purposeful, competition-ready feel. By the mid-60s, Speedwell had built a reputation for blending style with genuine performance upgrades, making their parts coveted by enthusiasts of the era.

Volkswagen Original Parts

Original VW parts from the 1950s and 1960s. These are factory original parts that were installed on VW vehicles during production or available as genuine accessories.

VDO Instruments

VDO (Vereinigte Deuta Ota) was a German manufacturer of automotive instruments and gauges. They supplied many original equipment instruments to VW and other manufacturers.

Bosch Electrical Parts

Bosch was the primary supplier of electrical components for VW vehicles. Their ignition systems, coils, and distributors were standard equipment on most VWs.

From 1897, Bosch started installing better-designed magneto ignition devices into automobiles and became the only supplier of a truly reliable ignition within the industry. In 1902, the chief engineer at Bosch, Gottlob Honold, unveiled the high-voltage magneto ignition system with spark plug. This product paved the way for Bosch to become a leading automotive supplier.

Hazet Tools

Hazet was a German manufacturer of high-quality automotive tools. Their tool kits were often included with new VW vehicles and are highly collectible.

Tools and toolboxes, extremely sought-after and very expensive.

Kamei Accessories

Kamei was a German manufacturer of high-quality accessories for VW vehicles. They specialized in body kits, spoilers, and other styling accessories.

KAMEI founder Karl Meier started out as an interior equipment constructor at the Volkswagen factory, where he helped develop the legendary Schwimmwagen Typ 166 amphibious car.

Okrasa Performance Parts

Okrasa was a German company that specialized in high-performance engine parts for VW vehicles. They produced cylinder heads, manifolds, and other performance components.

"Oettinger Kraftfahrtechnische Spezial Anstalt" was the name of the company founded by Gerhard Oettinger in 1951. The company specialised in performance parts for the VW engine and soon some of the VW based coachbuilders such as Dannenhauer & Stauss and Rometsch were using Okrasa engines in their sports cars.

Abarth Exhaust Systems

In 1955, VW decided that 2 exhaust outlets were better than one. Abarth pushed that concept further by offering a 4-outlet exhaust!
The sound of an Abarth exhaust is deeper and sportier.

Today it is extremely difficult to find original Abarth exhausts, and only the Japanese manufacturer Flat4 offers reproductions.

In 1955, VW decided that 2 exhaust outlets were better than one. Abarth pushed that concept further by offering a 4-outlet exhaust!
The sound of an Abarth exhaust is deeper and sportier.

Today it is extremely difficult to find original Abarth exhausts, and only the Japanese manufacturer Flat4 offers reproductions.

Motometer Parts

MOTOMETER: maker of the famous 3-in-1 and 2-in-1 gauges, highly sought-after and fairly difficult to find.

Helphos Parts

Helphos offered a lamp mounted against the windshield for VW, and also a washer system before it became standard.

Happich (GHE) Parts

Happich (GHE) offered accessories for Beetle in the 1950s-60s.

Talbot Parts

50th-60th famous car mirror builder for Jaguar, Porsche...

Hurst Parts

American made accessory

Hella Parts

After currency reform in 1948, the automobile industry took on a leading role in the German economy. The continually rising sales figures for motor vehicles and the increasing number of people with cars also ensured that this sharp upturn was also felt at WMI. Once more it was Ford and Volkswagen, in particular, who used the products from Lippstadt as standard equipment for their vehicles. Hella headlamps and lights adorned the VW Beetle, the car that symbolised the success of the German economic miracle.

Fram

FRAM parts and period accessories from the historical price archive.

Other Accessories

Miscellaneous period accessories and rare parts from various manufacturers.