Highlights
- Fresh from an extensive restoration
- Considerate mechanical upgrades
- Wonderful colour & paintwork
- Ready to use and enjoy
The Appeal
The Volkswagen Beetle is the textbook iconic classic car. Instantly recognisable to those even with no interest in cars whatsoever, the iconic lines of the ‘peoples car’ endure to this day, and the Beetle remains a firm favourite for enthusiasts, tuners and restorers alike, thanks to its universal appeal, plentiful parts supply and extensive knowledge base.
This particular example is a lesser-seen Karmann cabriolet, which has been restored to the tune of over £60,000 and is in virtually pristine condition throughout, having seen exceedingly limited use since the culmination of restoration works, all of which were carried out to the highest standards.
History/Paperwork
- Ex-South Africa car
- Factory built Cabriolet, Oettinger-built TSV example
- V5 registered keepers document, showing just two former UK keepers
- Extensive invoices from 60k+ restoration works
- Re-sprayed in factory colour
First registered in 1977 according to the logbook, this is no ordinary Volkswagen Beetle. Built during the 1973 production run (allegedly confirmed by the VW Heritage Centre according to the previous keeper, whom the vendor purchased the vehicle from) the car was then shipped directly to Karmann for the cabriolet bodywork, and then on to renowned tuning house Oettinger for its 1800 TSV conversion, before being shipped off to South Africa, where it remained until 2003.
Whilst in the care of the current owner - who purchased the vehicle around two years ago - this Karmann Cabriolet has been subject to a money-no-object restoration, totalling in the region of £60,000 of expenditure, with no stone left unturned.
The engine was entirely stripped, before the choice was made to upgrade to a 1776 performance engine with associated tuning, carburettor upgrades and other supporting modifications. The braking system, chassis and all suspension and steering components have been replaced or overhauled, and the floor pans (along with any other known corrosion) have been replaced or repaired, and then sealed and protected for longevity.
Similarly, the bodywork was stripped and sprayed in its original eye-catching Anaconda Blue, with an all-new hood being fitted to a refurbished mechanism, any body corrosion or rot issues addressed, and both bumpers re-chromed, along with the wheels being refurbished and painted to match the body.
Overall, this is a truly stunning example of the coveted and rare Karmann Cabriolet, made even rarer by its factory-order TSV Oettinger conversion. Sadly, due to a change in personal circumstances, this Beetle hasn’t seen the use it deserves since the restoration works were completed, and as a result the vendor is offering one lucky bidder the opportunity to obtain a freshly-restored Beetle just in time to enjoy throughout the summer months, long evenings and warm weather ahead. During the restoration the worn Oettinger engine was replaced with an ever popular 1776cc engine.
The Interior
- Original seats retained
- Fully custom carpet set and replacement dash
- Period-look stereo but hidden Bluetooth upgrades
- All systems working as they should be
Inside, the Beetle has never been famed for its opulence, though this Karmann example did benefit from upgraded leather seats, door cards and a more modern dash, courtesy of being a later-production (post 1970) example.
This particular model retains its original seats to the best of the vendor’s knowledge, though it does benefit from a replacement dashboard (the original was damaged beyond repair) and an all-new folding roof, which was fitted to a refurbished mechanism, which is in full working order.
The seats do display some light patina - such as scuffs to the bases and outer edges - but no signs of any damage, rips or tears that we could see.
Naturally, the new roof inner is in exemplary condition, as is the custom-made carpet set, along with the door cards and dashboard.
In the frunk, the luggage area presents well, and the inside of the wings look factory-fresh in their condition.
To the best of the vendor’s knowledge, all systems are working as Volkswagen intended.
The Exterior
- New roof and refurbished mechanism
- Fantastic bodywork and paint
- Virtually factory-fresh throughout
Nigh-on fresh from the paint shop, the exterior of this Karmann-bodied Beetle is in outstanding condition, and would certainly stand up to all but the strongest scrutiny at a classic car show or event.
The paintwork is virtually unmarked, with only a few small imperfections noted to the front end when looking closely. Looking along the flanks, the bodywork is straight as a die (likely better than it was from the factory) and there are no signs of any dents, dings or impact damage that we could see.
Both bumpers were re-chromed during the restoration process and remain in great shape, though if we’re being exceedingly picky (as we always try to be) the chrome trims along the side of the vehicle show some dulling, whilst there are areas of pitting and patina around the window frames.
Up above, the nearly-new soft top remains in excellent condition, with only a couple of small marks from its time being stored under a cover making themselves known, though these should be easy enough to remedy with the correct cleaning regime.
All four wheels - along with the matching spare in the frunk - are free of any damage or kerb rash, and are wrapped in matching Maxxis rubber with plenty of life left in them.
The Mechanicals
- 1776 Performance engine
- New wiring loom as part of the restoration works
- Twin-carburettor setup
- Race-tune and upgraded exhaust
At the rear, the classic air-cooled flat-four that provides power for this glorious drop-top has been upgraded to a 1776cc performance example, boasting a twin-carb setup, upgraded filters, supporting ancillary modifications and a race-tuned exhaust, which on idle still delivers the characterful ‘thrum’ we all know and love, yet rises to an impressive crescendo further up the rev range.
Underneath, the chassis looks just as clean as the bodywork and paint, and there are absolutely no signs of any wear, tear or concerns that we could see, nor any that the vendor is aware of.
Mechanically, all systems are functioning as intended, though due to the vehicle’s long period of inactivity, a quick tune-up (or perhaps even simply some more regular use) would likely be beneficial, as it struggled to start when cold during our photo shoot, yet happily re-started instantly once warm.
By virtue of its age, this Beetle is exempt from mandatory MoT examinations, and therefore does not have a current MoT certificate.
Summary
Drop-dead gorgeous, extensively restored and renewed and in immaculate condition throughout, this 1977-registered, 1973-built Beetle Karmann TSV Cabriolet is a rare example of the factory-order upgraded Cabriolet, which spent the majority of its life in South Africa, before being fully restored whilst in the care of the current owner.
In outstanding order and ready to enjoy, we can’t think of many better ways to travel this summer. Go on, buy the Beetle of your dreams - it’s right here!
Notice to bidders
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