1968 VW Beetle 1500
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
- An excellent example throughout
- Very original car
- Recent full respray in original Zenith Blue
The Background
The Volkswagen (as it was originally named - Beetle came later and began as a nickname) was the first car produced by VW and with 21,529,464 units produced between 1938 and 2003 makes it both the longest running and most produced car in the world.
The origins of the Beetle are still controversial with designs by both Ferdinand Porsche and Mercedes-Benz claiming to be the originals. However the dispute over the origins had little effect on the manufacturing success of the Volkswagen, post WWII the need for an affordable family car in Germany was very high and the Volkswagen was the perfect car for the job.
Whilst there have been many improvements over the years as automotive technology has improved, the essential design has remained the same. Rear air cooled engine with rear wheel drive mounted in a distinctive looking body the Beetle is one of the most recognisable cars in the world. The later models included the 1500 engine which was a big improvement over the smaller engine alternatives.
The History
The current owner bought the car in 2010 from South West Splits in Exeter, a VW specialist, who themselves purchased the car from the original owner in Totnes in 2009.
The current owner then kept the car stored indoors for a few years before undertaking extensive refurbishment that is detailed below. An avid VW enthusiast, the current owner has several vehicles in the workshop and has decided to sell this beetle to try and regain some space to allow him to work on the others.
The current owner then kept the car stored indoors for a few years before undertaking extensive refurbishment that is detailed below. An avid VW enthusiast, the current owner has several vehicles in the workshop and has decided to sell this beetle to try and regain some space to allow him to work on the others.
The Paperwork
Whilst there isn’t much in the way of paperwork, it does come with the original owners manual and the current owner has images detailing most of the work such as the respray along with invoices.
The Interior
The interior is in very good condition throughout, with the seats, carpets, door cards and dashboard all presenting very well. With all original fittings and little wear visible it’s an interior any VW aficionado will appreciate, it even has the classic Beetle air tight seal when the doors are closed.
The quality of the interior combined with the fantastic exterior and mechanics are a testament to just how well this car has been looked after.
The quality of the interior combined with the fantastic exterior and mechanics are a testament to just how well this car has been looked after.
The Exterior
The exterior is in excellent condition and benefits from a full body off respray in the original Zenith Blue which looks absolutely fantastic. The paintwork is immaculate as the car hasn't really been used since the respray around nine years ago.
All of the brightwork is original, and whilst there is the occasional small amount of tarnishing, there isn’t anything that couldn’t be taken care of with some polish. The wheels were also fully reconditioned at the same time as the respray and the whole car looks fantastic and will make an impression wherever it goes.
All of the brightwork is original, and whilst there is the occasional small amount of tarnishing, there isn’t anything that couldn’t be taken care of with some polish. The wheels were also fully reconditioned at the same time as the respray and the whole car looks fantastic and will make an impression wherever it goes.
The Mechanics
The current owner as a VW enthusiast has ensured any work that has been needed to make the car mechanically faultless has been done, whilst also ensuring originality. The work includes a new Sachs clutch, new wheel cylinders, master cylinder and pipes alongside a full body off respray, floor pans shot blasted and painted, and shot blasted wheels with new genuine center caps and tires.
The car starts easily from cold with no hesitation and the 1500 engine sounds absolutely gorgeous. Everything works exactly as it should from the automatic choke to all of the electrics this car appears to be faultless. This is one of those cars we are always looking for; great condition throughout, all original and ready to drive.
The Appeal
The Beetle might be the most produced car of all time, but examples this good, especially of the much sought after 1500 are hard to come by. The respray and reconditioned wheels make this car look almost new and with all genuine original parts it’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone who loves these cars.
The Volkswagen was originally designed to provide an affordable car for a nation and evolved into one of the most successful and iconic cars of all time. With an instantly recognizable shape and styling and a distinctive sound the 1500 provides both the looks and a great driving experience that any true petrolhead can appreciate.
With only three previous owners, an almost immaculate finish and in fantastic mechanical condition, this Beetle won’t be around for long; get bidding now for a chance to own this fantastic car.
With only three previous owners, an almost immaculate finish and in fantastic mechanical condition, this Beetle won’t be around for long; get bidding now for a chance to own this fantastic car.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1968
- Make Volkswagen
- Model Beetle
- Colour Zenith Blue
- Odometer 87,080 Miles
- Engine size 1484
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Devon
- Country United Kingdom
31
bids
- ia•••• £12,750 06/02/22
- su•••• £12,500 06/02/22
- su•••• £12,250 06/02/22
- ia•••• £12,000 06/02/22
- su•••• £11,750 06/02/22
- ia•••• £11,500 06/02/22
- su•••• £11,250 06/02/22
- ia•••• £11,000 06/02/22
- su•••• £10,750 05/02/22
- ia•••• £10,500 05/02/22
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.