Hi There,
Look if she is a pre59 there would be a few key pointers.
Firstly the pre 59s would have a semaphore post between the drivers door and the back window. Where the pop out indicators go. hey would have a flat steering wheel, (Batwing shape) and small overrider bumpers.
Now for a list of chassis numbers, head here:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/chassisdating.php best place to figure out what car it is.
The ID Plate is located behind the spare tire, in most cases the plate would be missing so pull the back seat up and look at the centre tunnel near the cover plate inspection hole is for the gear box shaft adjuster.
Rust issues on early beetles, mainly the door pillars, LHS & RHS inside and out. And lift the doors up and down to see if there is much movement. (If there is, usually the pillar has broken away)
Check the battery tray and floorpan too, early beetles tend to get a little in the chassis and the spare wheel well. They sometimes go there.
The 59 would be a glorious 1200cc if its the original engine, once again check out the link to find out if its a correct engine for the year.
Hope this helps
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Cheers Bill
Ps. We love pictures
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