Highlights

Extensively restored mixing standard looks with tasteful enhancements
Smart silver with blue roof and Genuine 17in Fuchs-style alloys
2,143cc twin-carb flat-four engine built by respected VW specialist Dan Simpson
Professionally refurbished leather interior with silver contrast stitching
Underside restored and professionally powder coated
Recent service, new Webers, Porsche alternator, two tyres and Blaupunk sounds
Original RHD convertible showing 62,000 miles

The Appeal

The joy of VW ownership is that what Wolsburg started, an array of enthusiastic owners and specialists can complete. So it is with this very tidy UK-market RHD Karmann. If you’ve spotted the photos, you’ll know from the 17in Fuchs-style alloys that something is afoot, and that something starts with a 2,143cc Type 4 engine built by Veedub guru Dan Simpson.

A rolling road printout shows that the engine is good for over 135bhp, a sizeable jump over the standard 1303LS’ 50bhp. The vendor tells us that the condition is the result of a comprehensive restoration that included a respray, a new blue mohair roof with a recent matching tonneau and a retrimmed black leather interior, including seats and dashboard. All in, this is a tastefully done restomod that retains the standard car’s looks while adding desirable cosmetic and mechanical improvements.

The vendor bought the car earlier this year and has added a long list of further improvements. These include a full service, new twin Weber 44s, a rolling road test and fitting a Porsche alternator. The front tyres have also been replaced and a quality Blaupunkt head unit and speakers installed.

Supplied with a vast history file, this standard-looking yet very potent Beetle is very tempting.

The vendor says:

“This 1977 Karmann is a totally unique car and nothing anywhere in the UK comes close. Following an extensive, high-quality restoration, it cleverly blends standard looks with some neat enhancements, most notably those 17in Porsche Fuchs. Less obvious is the 2,143cc twin-carb, air-cooled flat-four at the back, which was developed and built by Volkswagen supremo Dan Simpson. The car also runs uprated suspension and improved brakes. Inside, there is a retrimmed black leather cabin with neat silver contrast stitching that extends to the dashboard and doors. The whole is topped off, literally, by a high-quality Mohair blue roof.”

Key Information

Mileage: 61,965 miles indicated (stated as correct by seller)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: 2,143cc air-cooled flat-four with twin Weber 44 carburettors, four-speed manual
Paperwork: Rolling road data, large quantity of invoices, handbooks, old photos, V5C, 2 sets of keys, MOTs

Recent work since February 2026:

Two new Webber 44's fitted by specialist
Rolling road data showing increased power
New Porsche Alternator
Two front tyres
Blaupunkt DAB, Buletooth and Phone prep stereo
New period Blaupunkt speakers professionally fitted
Full service and oil change

The Detail

Service and oil change carried out since purchase in early 2026
Long list of recent work provided above
Uprated suspension and improved brakes fitted
Vintage Speed Black Mamba shifter fitted
Blaupunkt DAB/Bluetooth stereo with period Blaupunkt speakers professionally fitted
Genuine 17" Porsche 5-spoke 'Fuchs' alloy wheels with Uniroyal/Yokohama tyres
Matching spare wheel
Silver metallic paintwork in good order for age following older restoration
There are a few stone chips commensurate with age
Small bubble noted on passenger door, reported unchanged in size for three years
Minor paint chips on the front bumper reports
Navy mohair folding hood with operational heated rear screen
Brand new colour-matched exterior hood cover included
Underside restored and professionally powder coated we are told
Professionally refurbished perforated leather seats, dash and door cards
Interior trimmed in black with silver contrast stitching
Auxiliary dials and Moto-Lita steering wheel fitted
Quality grey carpets in good order
Recently fitted with quality Blaupunkt sound system as detailed above
Vendor states the car drives and handles very well

BEFORE YOU BUY

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Comments

Mav1967

3 days ago

It’s nice to have an increase in power. My beetle certainly struggled without it. I notice it’s still a 4 speed. Has any work done to the gear box? How does it drive in 4th gear without a 5th or old style overdrive? Do you recommend a gearbox change?