Over six million VW Beetles were sold over more than 60 years of production, so it’s fair to say it’s one of the all-time classic car icons.
Today, there’s a whole thriving scene built up around the legendary little car, from modified examples through to beautifully preserved or restored originals. This one is one of the latter – a restoration carried out to an exquisite standard.
The car was acquired by the vendor in 2008 as a combined restoration project and trip down Memory Lane and has been rebuilt, both structurally and mechanically, with a retrimmed interior and thousands spent on new parts.
It was completely rebuilt by him in a domestic garage, using parts sourced from well-known air-cooled VW specialists as well as refurbishing as many original components as possible.
It’s largely standard, other than the decision to repaint it in black, a deep and glossy finish that really suits the classic VW lines, and is presented in truly beautiful condition.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
Tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt
Lots of bills and invoices – thousands spent in parts
Rebuilt over several years by vendor
Historic bills and invoices from previous ownership going back to 1990s
Old photos of car as bought
Two sets of keys
Used car data check
Old MOTs
Box of spare parts
Remote central locking set, as yet unfitted
THE INTERIOR
Red leatherette upholstery with Ivory piping and matching door cards
New carpets front and rear
New headlining in excellent order
Simple single-dial dash
Period radio
Beautiful period correct ivory-coloured steering wheel
New pedal rubbers
Absolutely beautifully presented throughout and in show-worthy condition
Heated rear window not currently connected
THE EXTERIOR
Completely rebuilt shell with lots of structural welding completed by vendor – all common rust areas such as floors, sills, bulkhead joints and rear quarter sections repaired and refinished
Flat windscreen
Gleaming black paint finish with no notable imperfections
Steel wheels with correct wheeltrims, in excellent order
All correct chrome work, badges and trim
The bumper mounts were replaced but the bumpers themselves were sound, so they were cleaned up and repainted on the inside
Exhaust system is not new - the original was in good order so it was refurbished.
New door seals and rubbers all-round
Beautifully detailed car in gorgeous overall condition
THE MECHANICS
Original-specification 1200 engine, rebuilt during restoration
Spare used Solex H30/31 PICT(Brazil) carburettor and used additional Solex 30 PICT(West Germany) spare included
Freshly serviced
Drives well with no known issues – reported by the vendor to be in great mechanical order
Refurbished exhaust system
All suspension, brake and steering components rebuilt at the time of restoration
New front shock absorbers
The brakes were refurbished and appropriate parts replaced were required
New fuel line re-routed according to a VW works bulletin as the original was excessively corroded
New brake hoses
SUMMARY
Beetles are popular in the first place, but this one is a real testimony to the skills of the vendor, who has restored the car himself to a truly impeccable standard – and yes, it really is that good. The attention to detail on show here is amazing – it’s essentially a show car, and one that has been a labour of love for the vendor and his wife, who owned a similar Beetle when they first met.
Today, 15 years after they acquired it, the Beetle is finished and ready for a new owner as they embark on a new two-wheeled project – it’s in absolutely breathtaking condition and has to be one of the nicest unmodified Beetles on the market right now. A truly lovely example.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
