Highlights

Rare pre-64 Karmann convertible
Body-off-chassis restoration and respray by Wye Valley VW
New Newton Commercial interior in tan and beige
1,600CC dual-port engine and 12V electrics
Volkswagen documentation confirms authenticity
Lots of history dating back to 1970s

The Appeal

The Beetle may have been the people’s car but there was nothing everyday and ordinary about the Karmann-built convertible. It was beautifully engineered to deliver a very different sort of car.

Early pre-1964 models are both pure to the originals and very rare. Here is one. Chassis records and Volkswagen certification confirm it is a 1963 model.

It has been subject to a truly extensive restoration by Wye Valley Volkswagen that involved a body-off bare metal respray in pretty Gulf Blue. Newton Commercials have retrimmed the interior in smart tan and the engine has been upgraded to a 1,600 dual port motor. The electrics are now running at 12V. It has been converted to RHD.

With a detailed history back to the 1970s and a wealth of original features, this Beetle Karmann Convertible is a standout example of a classic car.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1963 in the USA which is verified by chassis and factory records
Current keeper for last eight years according to seller
DVLA records record that the car was previously cream which was changed in 1994
VW birth certificate available showing genuine Karmann chassis
Body retains its Karmann body stamp but the plaque is missing
V5 and some history back to 1970s available
Car was delivered to the USA but imported into the UK before 1978
The vendor acquired body 8 years ago but managed to acquire the chassis in 2023. Both body and chassis are genuine Beetle Karmann 63
DVLA incorrectly state first registered in 1965
Odometer replaced due to the old one not working
New odometer is period-correct
Receipts available for new parts bought
Old logbooks going back to the late 1970s available
Body-off restoration and respray by specialist Wye Valley Volkswagen
Retrimmed by Newton Commercials

The vendor tells us: “Although you could drive home you would be better transporting as there are some large spares to go with it if you want them (front beam, original solex carb, original Bosch distributor and some smaller stuff)”

The Condition

Full body-off-chassis restoration and professional respray
Repainted in L390 Gulf Blue with complementary blue roof
New reinforcement rails installed
Heater channels from original rust-free car
New front quarter panels added
Original front wings retained
Original Karmann badges preserved
Original wheels painted to match the body
New Newton Commercial seats, door card and carpets in tan and beige
New inner and outer convertible roof installed
Outer roof has some wrinkles
Inner roof in twill cloth
All window glass and frames are original, frames showing some wear but no rust
Correct convertible rearview mirror installed
Restored and working period radio
All controls (gear stick, steering wheel etc) in matching beige
Seatbelts fitted front and rear
Full respray by Wye Valley VW classics at cost of over £7,000
Bumpers showing some surface rust
Car converted to right-hand-drive
Bumpers are US towel rail reproductions and show some rust spots
Some small roof rubber seals are missing but all the main ones are present
Window chrome slightly weathered – one window frame is chrome wrapped
The aluminium body tag didn’t come with the car
Karmann body stamp is still in place in the spare wheel well

The Mechanics

1,600cc dual port air cooled 4cyl engine
4spd fully synchromesh gearbox
Full service recently completed
New fuel pump, carburettor, spark plugs, ignition leads and points
New clutch installed
New distributor vacuum cannister
All brakes and brake lines replaced with new
All wheel bearings replaced
Gearbox service
Axle boots replaced
We are advised that the front kingpin has slight play but not significant
Washer bottle is not connected
Most mechanical parts replaced or restored
Car drives well according to vendor
Seering is light
Brakes are drums all round
Gearbox reportedly smooth and easy to use
New EMPI 34 PICT3 carburettor fitted
Original Solex carburettor is included in the sale
New fuel line using kunifer copper/ nickle
All rubber lines upgraded to ethanol-safe versions for use with modern petrol
Gearbox is slightly later version with new gear shift bushes
All new brake lines using kunifer copper/ nickel.
New master cylinder with dual circuit for safety and all wheel cylinders
All new brake shoes
New wheel bearings and new suspension bushes at the rear
Replacement wheel bearings at the front
Beam is a German one not a reproduction with no rust
Original beam is included but has play in the kingpins and other bearings

BEFORE YOU BUY

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✓ 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..

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