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. 1974 Volkswagen 1303S 9.JPG10.95 MB
The History and Paperwork
Bought new by the current owner's father-in-law in 1974
V5 present, with older issues also available
Family owned since new, with just one recorded previous family owner
Retains its original VW Northway Garage new car order form
Comes with its Drivers instruction manual, Vehicle data card, Service book and two repair/maintenance manuals
Service book with stamps up to 1984, with an additional stamp in 2007 at 53,895 miles
Comes with two keys
invoices for welding, new parts and respray for £3200 in 1989
Total spending since 1989 amounts to around £5000
MOT and Tax exempt
It was last issued an MOT in 2008 and has only covered 171 miles since then
Consistently stored in owner's garage
The car was last actively used two years ago but is regularly started
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.*
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