Highlights

Mexican-built Beetle
Only one former registered keeper
In current ownership for 14 years
Garage-kept since 2010
MOT valid until May 2026

The Appeal

The Beetle first arrived in Mexico in 1954 - a rare exception to the country's usual running history of Studebakers and Chevvys. The little German cars were not only bound to be cheaper, but far more economic to run for a nation that was enjoying a burst of development and a rapidly increasing take-up of the personal car.

The Beetle's simplicity proved perfect for longevity in Mexico, with the dry climate helping to keep the somewhat troublesome propensity for corrosion at bay. Mechanics were gently refined and by the 1990s, naturally developing the 'Vocho' (as it was so nicknamed) without erasing an ounce of its character.

This particular 1997 example has been in the current owner's possession for 14 years, having had only one previous registered keeper, and has been carefully garage-stored throughout this time. This fabulous car offers an authentic air-cooled experience with the added benefit of relatively modern underpinnings.

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History and Paperwork

Imported to the UK from new
First registered in 1997
Only one former registered keeper
Purchased by the current owner from an Auction House in St Albans on 27/02/2010
Has been garage-kept since current ownership began
No major work carried out during current ownership
MOT valid until May 2026

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The Condition

Attractive metallic blue livery
Requires minor TLC here and there, with the odd chip or marks around the car
However, by and large the car appears brightly presented and well-kept
Brightwork contrasts nicely
Some gentle corrosion to the underside, commensurate with age
Original condition throughout
Seats appear in smart condition for their age
Dashboard is clean and well presented

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The Mechanics

1600cc Air-cooled flat-four engine
4-speed manual transmission
Engine bay looks in good overall order
Mechanically standard
We're told that the car is in good working condition

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 fee. 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..