***Vendor supplied images***
Highlights
- Genuine Ruby Red right-hand drive Beetle with matching numbers engine
- Original car that has been improved but never fully restored
- Original 6 volt electrical system retained
- Extensive body repairs in 2021 by air-cooled specialist
- Still retains original dealer badge from Mill St Garage, Stourbridge
- Nearly £7,000 spent on maintenance in the last four and a half years
- Voluntary MOT valid to April 2026 with no advisories
- Beautifully presented car with lovely balance between age and condition
The Appeal
The 1960s were a high point in the Beetle’s development. There would be later changes, but these mid-period cars retain the classic smooth aesthetics, slim bumpers and small rear lights that enthusiasts revere.
This gorgeous ‘65 has all that, plus it is a genuine RHD car in sought-after Ruby Red. The vendor tells us that while it has received considerable improvements and investment, it has never been fully restored. It remains, therefore, very original, blending a gentle patina with the reassurance of all that work.
The vendor acquired the car in 2011 as a part-finished project. He commissioned an air-cooled specialist to complete it, and it was put back on the road in 2013. Since then, he has continued to improve it, notably investing £7,000 since 2020 in welding, mechanical and other work. The attention has been sympathetic, preserving rather than restoring wherever possible. The result is a matching-numbers car with a highly original interior and general finish.
Recent work includes attention to the brakes in 2023, a full service in 2024 and new rear hub seals and rocker cover gaskets in 2025. It is a mark of the seller’s approach that the car comes to market with a voluntary MOT valid to April 2026. There are no advisories to add reassurance for buyers.
The vendor says:
“The previous owner was passionate about by the car, even naming it Otto, (as the floor mats testify) but was unable to get it back on the road. This car remains in virtually stock, original condition (other than dual circuit brakes, running board chrome strips from earlier car, and 6 volt LED bulbs). It still retains original dealer badge from Mill St Garage, Stourbridge. The car drives and handles very nicely. I have loved owning the car, with its originality being a particular appeal.
Beetles from the mid-60s like this in such condition, and not having been messed with, are rare.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered in the UK 25th October 1965
- Seven keepers from new according to DVLA records
- Current keeper acquired car in 2011 as a part-finished project
- Registered to current keeper in January 2013
- Sympathetically recommissioned by well known air cooled specialist between 2011 and 2013
- Current voluntary MOT valid until 14th April 2026 with no advisories
- Vendor states that car is a genuine Ruby Red right hand drive Beetle
- No full restoration needed or performed on this car we are told
- Service history available since April 2021 says vendor
- Previous owner began light restoration in early 1990s but did not complete
- Car was off the road and garaged since the 1990s until purchased by the current owner
- Invoices over the last four and a half years total nearly £7,000 as shown in photos
- Previous owner named the car "Otto" (as shown on floor mats)
- Still retains original dealer badge from Mill St Garage, Stourbridge
- Brakes attended to in 2023 as shown in photos
- Full service in April 2024
- Rear hub seal kit and rocker gaskets replaced in April 2025
- Old tax disc from 1992
- MOT shows 58,143 miles and 58.183 miles showing in photos
The Condition
- Well-presented car in Ruby Red with paintwork resprayed in 2012
- Paintwork shows a few minor chips and marks as highlighted in photos
- New rear wings and rear apron fitted in 2012
- Bodywork appears to be very good as can be checked in photos
- Small area of bubbling to note to seam above nearside front wing
- Vendor reports one or two small dents but these are not immediately obvious in photos
- Factory standard 65 car with chrome bumpers and small rear lights
- Only reported exterior modification arerunning board chrome strips from an earlier car
- Chrome is in good order with light tarnish to note due to originality
- Sits on white steel wheels with correct chrome hub caps in good order
- Vendor advises that floors were repaired in 2021 as confirmed by invoices in photos
- Underside presents well in photos with evidence of protective underseal
- No structural advisories on current MOT
- Largely original interior in cream vinyl with some new elements
- Cream vinyl seats show light age in photos including wear to driver’s seat squab
- Rear seat also lightly aged but remains usable
- Front and rear seatbelts fitted with VW decals as shown
- Original paint on dashboard and original steering wheel reports by seller
- Vendor tells us that the car has the original full front rubber overmat
- New carpets fitted in 2012 and door tops re-sprayed in same year
- Bespoke overmats created by previous keeper with car’s name as shown
- Headlining remains presentable with light age to note to rear sections in photos
The Mechanics
- Matching numbers car with 1,285cc air cooled engine
- 4spd manual gearbox
- Original 6-volt electrical system
- Upgraded to dual circuit brakes
- Engine is very clean and retains original valve timing sticker says seller
- Car starts and runs very well and drives and handles very nicely we are told
- Recent service in 2024
- Brakes attended to in 2023 as shown in photos
- Rear hub seal kit and rocker gaskets fitted in April 2025
- No advisories on current MOT
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..
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✓ 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.
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