Description
Wow! A superb and very rare opportunity to acquire a genuine Karmann Convertible at a great price. With over 30 years of history and comprehensively restored and repainted (with photographs) less than 10, 000 miles ago, this cracking Beetle presented in metallic Deep Red with Black hood sitting on brand-new 5-Slot Mag polished alloys with as-new Hankook rubber ticks all the boxes. Originally a Florida-import in 1989, the Beetle has been largely garage-stored for the past 7 years and as such could benefit from light recommissioning and ultimately some paintwork. But that said, it starts up immediately, sounds awesome and pulls like a train. With fully restored, show-quality Karmann derivatives now making in excess of £25, 000, this represents extraordinary value for money and could be used immediately, enjoyed this coming Summer and improved over time. I don`t expect it will be with me for long.
With a production span of some 65 years, the VW Type 1 or Beetle, has become a design icon and unsurprisingly still has a massive worldwide following today. The concept of a rear-engined 2-door saloon changed little over this period but by the early 1970`s, there were effectively 2 models built – the standard Beetle and a Super model, known in the UK as a 1302 or 1302S, which was essentially 2” longer from the windscreen forward allowing for increased luggage capacity. The convertible variant can trace it`s roots back to 1949 when VW sanctioned essentially two third-party conversions, one known as the Type 14A, built by Josef Hebmuller and Son (called a “Heb”), the other, more recognisable and designated the code Type 15, by long-established coachbuilders Karmann, based in Osnabruck. Sadly, a massive fire at Hebmuller in 1953 halted production after just 696 built, leaving Karmann with a clear path albeit their interpretation was far better looking and engineered. To compensate for the lack of roof, strengthening was fitted under the heater channels whilst doors and rear quarter panels were taller than the standard saloon. With 2” of hood insulation, the convertible top itself provided excellent sound-deadening and heat retention and looked stylish and balance whether down or fully closed.
Our Beetle was manufactured in January 1974 and was supplied from new in Cliff Green with Black hood and trim to a family In Tampa, Florida. Sadly, we have little history of it`s early life but in May 1989, it was sold to a gentleman in Doncaster and was exported arriving in the UK that summer. Converted shortly afterwards from left to right hand drive, the Beetle was ultimately registered in April 1990 as “MHE 94M” and by the mid-1990`s had moved South to Weymouth. The paper-trail from this period records considerable fettling to include a full brake overhaul, new wheel bearings, engine overhaul with new valve springs, replacement clutch and general servicing. In October 2001, the car was sold for £3000 to an enthusiast in Co. Antrim, N. Ireland who subsequently spent the next 4 years completely restoring the Beetle. Using parts from VW Heritage and VW Restorations in Ballymena, the car was completely stripped, floor pans replaced, heater channels repaired and ultimately subjected to a full wings-off shell restoration and repaint in metallic Nightfire Red. A CD in the history file contains around 40 colour photographs of the work undertaken. The rebuild also included a new hood with new rear screen and padding, new door panels, carpets and considerable detailing. Restoration complete, the Beetle and it`s owner moved across from Northern Ireland to Lincolnshire and subsequently Oxfordshire before being sold again in March 2005 to another VW enthusiast in Aston, Hertfordshire. Whilst in his care, some discrepancies were resolved with the DVLA (a VIN number on early MoT Certificates was incorrect) and the car re-registered on it`s current plate “AUR 578M”. Invoices from subsequent years document work at Just Dubz in Bedfordshire in 2007 (steering column bush and bearing, replacement of the windscreen washer system, full brake overhaul, new seat belts and servicing) and further servicing and replacement ball-joints in 2010 by Retro Custom Ltd. of Baldock. In 2012, the Beetle moved to Glasgow where it remained for the following 7 years and underwent further detailing and general maintenance including new headlights and eyelids, exhaust with fitting kit, replacement heater cable and lever kits and general ignition parts. After a fresh MoT at 37, 479 miles, the car was sold yet again in July 2019 to a film stuntman and classic car enthusiast in Gravesend, Kent. Within the first few weeks of ownership, the Beetle went off to Beetlelink in Farnham for a full appraisal, service and tune-up with our new owner investing in a set of 5-Slot Mag polished alloys and new tyres to complete the look. Sadly, work has meant that enjoyment of the car has been very limited with less than 300 miles covered since purchase and after almost 7 years, a reluctant decision was taken to sell. Since acquisition, we have tinkered, polished and thoroughly enjoyed the car and have seriously considered keeping it for the Summer ahead. Come and persuade me otherwise!
The car presents exactly as can be seen in the photographs. The subject of an older restoration and repaint, most of the panels display age-related blemishes with a small amount of bubbling in places. That said, it polishes up beautifully with excellent chrome, glass and trim with alloy wheels and tyres unsurprisingly still as new. The hood is likewise in very good shape and watertight although is showing a little wear on the edge seems and around the frame. It is, however, a great fit and goes up and down in seconds with two locking levers on either side of the front frame. Inside, the Black cloth seats, Black door cards and Cream carpets are all very good with wood trim to door cappings, window furniture and steering only enhancing the classic look and feel of the cabin. The dash features a later JVC stereo CD and speakers whilst EMPI floor shifter, chrome pedals and dash-mounted model Beetle are nice finishing touches. Turn the key and the air-cooled 1600cc fires up immediately sounding sweet yet purposeful. Whilst we haven`t spent much time recommissioning, everything works on the Beetle and on a sunny March afternoon, I dropped the hood and went for a spin. I was genuinely impressed. The car changes up quickly through the gears whilst steering is positive and handling well-balanced, encouraging the little VW to be pushed harder and harder. What was supposed to be a 3-mile test drive became over 10 miles. I loved it! Indeed, if it is still with me at Easter, I am planning to take it to a couple of local shows.
The Beetle comes with it`s original Florida title, a large file of bills and receipts for parts and work undertaken from the mid-1990`s to the present day, a CD of some 40 photographs documenting the restoration and repaint 2003-2005, MoT Certificates from 1990-2020 showing few, if any, Advisory Notes and a current V5C. Being classed as Historic, it is naturally both MoT and road tax exempt.
A rare opportunity to acquire a genuine and very useable Karmann Convertible at a great price.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today. We are happy to take a reservation fee to hold a vehicle but as a dealership, we don`t operate a structured distance selling scheme.
Reservation fee now taken. Sorry.
