The Phaeton was a very bold idea: Volkswagen would build a car to be the equal of arch-rival of Mercedes-Benz.
Arguably, it did considerably better than that. The Phaeton’s architecture underpinned the contemporary Bentley Flying Spur, which was built alongside the Volkswagen in the same factory.
Buyers weren’t quite ready for a high end Volkswagen limousine so sales were slow. But contemporary reviewers and canny buyers know that these are exemplary cars.
Of the wide range of engines available, the 3.2 litre ‘VR6’ 238bhp fitted to this 2004 car is a canny choice. It is relatively simple and delivers decent economy with sufficient power.
This car is a very low mileage, clearly well maintained example in sober and understated black. Inside and out there are few signs that this is a 20 year old executive express. The qualities that bested the best remain compelling now, giving the buyer a beautifully engineered, high quality limousine that will wow passengers.
Ultra rare machine, these were born in the diesel era as this is ordered from factory in a petrol version. Having scurried the market it appears this is the only petrol phaeton around making it a certain collectible and with such low miles not much needs to be said regarding the rarity.
With its full service history, extensive maintenance file and long, advisory-free MOT, this is a fine example of one of Germany’s best executive cars.
History and Paperwork
First registered 13th May 2004
Six registered keepers
Handwritten records of the keepers are contained in the photographs
Other handwritten notes recording MOTs and servicing
14 services recorded with additional oil and filter changes shown in notes
Oil and filter change most recently at 50,769 miles in September 2022
Factory handbook and wallet in very good condition
Extensive maintenance file shown in photographs showing regular work
The car appears to have wanted for nothing with any minor issue quickly rectified
Gearbox fluids flushed and replaced in August 2022
Old MOTs to support mileage with additional handwritten notes
MOT to 29th April 2025 with no advisories and 53,804 miles showing on test
Private plate L30VWP included in sale
Invoices totalling over £11,700 of maintenance with detailed bills
Serviced at main dealers or main agents according to seller
Service history:
27.04.06: 16,562 Cameron’s VW Perth
20.04.06: 26,268 VW Wallsend
31.03.07: 29,152 VW Lookers Tyneside
24.03.09: 32,287 VW Lookers Tyneside
21.07.10: 33,419 VASSTech Northallerton
10.08.11: 34,594 VASSTech Northallerton
10.05.12: 35,057 VASSTech Northallerton
07.05.13: 35,559 VASSTech Northallerton
01.05.14: 35,970 VASSTech Northallerton
28.04.15: 36,366 VASSTech Northallerton
04.05.16: 36,782 VASSTech Northallerton
02.05.17: 37,132 VASSTech Northallerton
02.05.18: 37,542 VASSTech Northallerton
Service history 2018:
Invoices present for this work
Oil, filter and other consumables changes at the below intervals
39,000 miles 42,000 miles, 46,000 miles and 49,000 miles
Spark plug change and coil pack change at 40,000 miles
Service history from February 2021:
From August to September 2022 the following issues were attended to or replaced between 50,609 miles and 50,769 miles at cost of £2,370.73:
Misfire
Parking sensors
Temperature sensor
Electric fan module
Window regulator
New automatic gearbox transmission oil and filter
Rear brake pads
All four wheels were renovated.
The vendor has provided the following information:
ULEZ compliant ultra rare machine these were born in the diesel era a this is ordered from factory in a petrol version.
It appears this is the only petrol Phaeton around making it a certain collectible and with such low miles not much needs to be said regarding the rarity.
Four brand new tyres
Alloy wheels in excellent condition with zero kerbing
This machine has needed a wanted to nothing
Extremely collectible as I could not find another for sale on the market
If you’re looking for a rare pedigree the search is over
The Condition
Understated and popular black metallic paintwork in very good order
Some minor marks to paint to be expected including small blemish on bonnet
Bodywork is very straight and tidy with no visible or reported accident damage
Underside presents well with no structural advisories on current MOT
Alloy wheels in excellent condition with zero kerbage
Four brand new tyres fitted all round showing good tread and condition
Exterior fittings including lights in good order with clear lenses
Cream leather interior in very good order with barely any signs of wear
Dark walnut veneers well kept with few signs of age
High limousine specification includes glass electric sunroof, rear blinds and premium stereo
Front electric seat with memory function
The Mechanics
3,189cc Volkswagen V6 developing 238bhp
5spd automatic gearbox with sequential shift options
Extensive history file with regular and careful maintenance
Full service history with recent oil and filter change
Gearbox fluid replaced in 2022
No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT
No reported running or driving issues
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
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Auction Details
Year2004
Make
Volkswagen
Model
Phaeton
Colour
Black
Mileage
53,994 Miles
Engine size3198
Seller TypePrivate
Town
Barking
CountyLondon
Country
United Kingdom
Auction ends
Bidding history
19 Bids
Dkmagoo••••£4,60014/06/24
Michael••••£4,50014/06/24
GingerH••••£4,40014/06/24
GingerH••••£4,30014/06/24
Michael••••£4,20014/06/24
Michael••••£4,10014/06/24
james-w••••£4,00001/07/24
GingerH••••£4,00014/06/24
JoJa••••£3,75013/06/24
Glen196••••£3,50012/06/24
thomas.••••£3,00012/06/24
terry h••••£2,80012/06/24
Cockers••••£2,70011/06/24
thomas.••••£2,50011/06/24
Cockers••••£2,20009/06/24
Jaguar1••••£2,00008/06/24
benjami••••£1,40008/06/24
Cockers••••£1,30007/06/24
Conoe••••£1,00007/06/24
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 3.2 V6
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