The 1303S version of the VW Beetle was the final German evolution of the famous air-cooled icon, but it was much more than just a case of old wine in a new bottle. The ‘Super Beetle’, as it was known, offered many safety-oriented upgrades, a plusher and more comfortable cabin, more luggage space, revised suspension and front disc brakes along with a more powerful 1.6-litre engine. As a result, the 1303S shares very little with the original versions, but retains the same charm and character that makes these tough little machines so endearing.
This is a rare opportunity to obtain a very original and low-mileage example in a distinctive Hellas gold metallic finish. Owned by the same family since new, it has spent much of its life stored in a garage and was used as recently as two years ago. The car has recently been given a clean bill of health by a mechanic, concluding that they couldn’t detect any outstanding problems with the way the car drives.
This 1974 car has a recorded mileage of just 54,290 miles and comes with a fascinating provenance which includes its original New car order form, Vehicle data card, Service book and invoices totalling a sum of the excess of £5000. Untarnished by any modifications, the car has survived thanks to the diligent and dedicated owner who not only treated the car to a restoration in the late 80s but had kept on top of the maintenance and upkeep of the car. It is now being sold by his widow, due to a lack of use, and the need to reclaim garage space.
Structurally solid as far as we could discern, with the floor pan, inner wings, sills, jacking points and suspension mounts looking solid with light age-related wear
Panel fit looking positive with healthy beading
No issues with door gaps. Passenger doors shut reassuringly
Very light storage-related marks were noted on the wings but free of significant dents or scuffs
Light superficial corrosion was noted on the lower sections of the car, mainly on the wings, offside lower rear quarter panel, bottom edge of the bonnet and around the off-side wing around the headlamp
L98C Hellas Gold metallic paint retains a decent lustre
Paint blistering on the bonnet
Chrome in good order, with only the rear bumper showing any signs of age
Windscreen is lightly marked but the rest of the glass is good with healthy-looking seals
Dealer option Lemmerz GT sports wheels - all in good shape and retain their centre caps.
Matching Firestone tyres are from 2008, but retain a healthy amount of tread
The air-cooled Beetle models are well known for their reliability, usability and practicality and have long been established as a classic. Retaining their status as daily drivers thanks to their durability, this example is further enhanced due to its low mileage and the unique one-family owner status. This must mark it out as a uniquely decent example of a 1303S. Its originality means that a little effort is needed to make it perfect but thanks to the huge network of knowledge and parts, it can be made almost as good as new with relative ease.
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.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1974 Volkswagen Beetle 1303S
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.
