Highlights
- Early and desirable ‘suicide door’ example
- Very well-kept car in white with bright chrome
- Characterful two-tone interior in great condition
- Purchased by seller from a large Italian classic car collection
- Great condition and low displayed mileage could be correct
The Appeal
The 600 laid the groundwork for the 500. While the latter cornered the market for cute and tiny, its bigger beetleback brother is arguably more practical. With extra space, more power and better handling, it is more suited to modern motoring.
Few UK-residing 600s are as well kept and tidy as this 1959 car. It has the clever rear-hinged ‘suicide doors’ that are so big you can access the back seat without moving the front one. Finished in white, it looks largely factory standard and is in great condition outside and within the two-tone interior.
The vendor acquired the car in 2020 from a large Italian classic car collection. Based on the condition and provenance, he suspects the low displayed mileage - 19,754 kms (12,274 miles) - could be genuine, but this is not verified.
Since buying the car he has used it for dry day trips around London - where it is usefully ULEZ exempt - and for his brothers wedding. The car is reported to be in great running order and is now ready for a new, equally enthusiastic keeper.
On offer here is one of the very early examples that were fitted with the suicide doors. These earlier cars are far more collectable and quite frankly also very practical when getting into the rear seats which have a surprising amount of legroom!
The vendor says:
“I bought this car directly from a prominent Italian collector who had over 100 classic and military vehicles in his collection. All vehicles were looked after by himself and his full-time mechanics, and his collection was more of a museum than anything else, meaning that most of the vehicles were incredibly original time-warp examples. Looking at the condition of the car, its recorded mileage of 19,500 km from new could indeed be correct. Who knows!
“I’ve owned it since 2020. I’ve used it regularly n dry weather for pottering around central London. I drove my brother to his wedding in 2021. The car really does look the part!”
History and paperwork
- First registered 1959
- Part of a prominent Italian car collection for 40 years
- Imported to the UK and registered here on 1st October 2020
- Single registered keeper since arriving in the UK
- Bought and registered in the UK by the current vendor
- UK V5
- 19,754 km (12,274 miles) recorded but this is not verified
The Condition
- White paintwork which is said to be factory correct
- Paintwork presents well with no obvious damage or marks in photos, only some age related wear and tear
- Bodywork presents very well and is described as ‘time warp’ by seller
- Arches, sills and underside in good order as shown
- Underside shows well in photos
- Factory standard car including steel wheels with chrome hub caps
- Exterior chromework in good order appearing original with light age
- Lights to front and rear in good order with no reported functional issues
- Wide ‘suicide’ rear-hinged doors with strong hinges
- Big doors allow easy access to front and rear of the car
- Spacious interior with two-tone vinyl trim in beige and black
- Seats present well with some light stains to rear bench to note
- Inner foam of the seats is deteriorating due to age and could do with being replaced
- Interior fittings, including headlining, door cards and carpets in good order
- Fitted with Italian-style rubber fitted mats as shown
- Clear dials in fully working order as is switchgear
- Rear bench folds for extra storage space
- Steel spare wheel in front boot
The vendor says:
“Swing open the ‘suicide’ doors and access to the cabin is easy and offers ample room despite it’s small appearance. The vendor informs us that even he who is 6ft1 has no problem sitting in the back. Who would have thought!
The interior looks to be all correct and original and in remarkable condition considering its age!”
The Mechanics
- 633cc air cooled engine
- 4spd manual gearbox
- Tidy engine bay as shown
- Used regularly in dry weather by seller to potter around London
- Always starts on the button
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
