1961 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

Highlights

  • Rare cabriolet
  • Resprayed exterior and retrimmed interior in outstanding condition
  • Impressive history file

The Appeal

This charming vehicle presents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a rare factory  Beetle Cabriolet in exceptional condition. The car has been lovingly refreshed to a remarkably high standard with stunning black paintwork and retrimmed leather interior.
With the car in fantastic mechanical health as well, all that’s left for the winning bidder to do is enjoy the magical experience of driving this enchanting vintage Beetle with the roof down on a sunny day.

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The History and Paperwork

  • Factory Cabriolet
  • Originally LHD, but converted to RHD, likely in the late 1960s.
  • Fully documented specialist service history
  • Certificate of authenticity from the Stiftung AutoMuseum Volkswagen
  • Originally white, it has been resprayed in all-black
  • Engine replaced with a brand-new 1600cc unit
  • Imported with all relevant documentation completed
  • Current owner since 2013
  • V5C log book in owner’s name present
  • Owners manuals included
  • MOT exempt
  • 1961 car, imported to the UK in 1968
After 9 years of cherished ownership the vendor has reluctantly decided to part ways with this charming Beetle due to growing family commitments.

The Interior

  • Leather interior retrimmed in the original cream colour presents incredibly well
  • No visible scuffs or damage anywhere on the upholstery
  • Dashboard, steering wheel and gear lever are all in superb condition
  • Carpets are in excellent shape
  • All switchgear and dials are functioning correctly
  • Two front seatbelts have been fitted
Rated as a 9 out of 10 for interior condition by the vendor, the inside is almost totally immaculate with the delightful cream leather perfectly contrasting the shiny black door panels and dashboard. One minor fault to note is that the driver’s door card has come loose.

The Exterior 

  • Originally white, the vehicle has been professionally resprayed black
  • Paintwork has been completed to an extremely high standard
  • Bodywork is in tremendous condition overall with a single scratch on the passenger door the only significant exterior blemish to note (see pictures)
  • Wheels and tyres are in great shape with good tread remaining
  • Brightwork, trim, badges and glass are all virtually pristine
  • The hood was replaced in 2013
  • Underside is said to be in excellent order with no visible signs of corrosion, damage or previous repair work
This Beetle is in fine fettle on the outside and has clearly been very well cared for throughout its lifetime. The bodywork and paintwork are outstanding and the car is a genuine head-turner thanks to its fabulous colour combination and shiny chrome trim.
A minor fault to note are the seam of the driver’s window is slightly torn.

The Mechanics 

  • Replacement brand-new 1200cc engine (which has covered just over 5,000 miles) starts first time on the button and has a lovely purr at idle and under acceleration
  • Accelerates smoothly through the rev range
  • Transmission changes gear as it should with no untoward noises
  • Steering and suspension components are functioning correctly with no knocks or bangs
  • Braking set-up is traditional drum brakes which, while they work as intended, are not as powerful as modern braking systems
  • Engine bay is particularly clean and tidy with no leaks or smoke
  • Cared for by VW specialists Volksmagic
  • Later post 65 front axle fitted
The car is said to be a joy to drive with the replacement engine working in perfect harmony with the gearbox. 

Summary

A beautiful and cherished example of a Vintage VW Beetle in superb working condition that is ready to be enjoyed by its new owner.

Notice to bidders

All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only.  Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1961
  • Make Volkswagen
  • Model Beetle Cabriolet
  • Colour Black
  • Odometer 5,400 Miles
  • Engine size 1200
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Birmingham
  • Location West Midlands
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
25 bids
  • ci•••• £17,250 29/09/22
  • om•••• £17,000 29/09/22
  • ci•••• £16,750 29/09/22
  • om•••• £16,500 29/09/22
  • Ri•••• £16,000 29/09/22
  • om•••• £15,500 29/09/22
  • Ri•••• £15,000 29/09/22
  • om•••• £14,500 29/09/22
  • JO•••• £14,000 29/09/22
  • om•••• £13,500 29/09/22
Message C&C Auction Team

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