Over six million VW Beetles were sold over more than 60 years of production, so it’s fair to say it’s one of the all-time classic car icons.
Today, there’s a whole thriving scene built up around the legendary little car, from modified examples through to beautifully preserved or restored originals. This one, however, is very special indeed.
First, it’s a “Super Beetle”, of the type introduced in 1971 and fitted with MacPherson Strut front suspension and disc brakes. It’s also a 1302 S, the S denoting a twin-port 1.6-litre engine rather than the more commonly found 1200.
The car was acquired by the vendor last year as a restoration project and has been fully rebuilt, both structurally and mechanically. The vendor has worked on air-cooled Beetles for his entire adult life and knows them inside out, so is confident that whoever buys the Bug will be happy with it.
It’s largely standard, other than the decision to paint it in Range Rover Santorini Black, a subtle metallic hue that really suits the classic VW lines.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
Tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt
Lots of bills and invoices – over £3,000 in parts
Rebuilt in 2022-23 from a garage find project car
Last on the road in 2015 prior to restoration
THE INTERIOR
Black vinyl trim
Front seats reupholstered in brand-new original specification material from VW Heritage Parts
New rear seat cover included in sale, but the vendor decided the existing rear seat was still in excellent order so didn’t fit it
New carpets front and rear
Original headlining, with slight sagging
Retrimmed door cards with new door pockets and custom window winder handles
Simple single-dial dash – never had a radio fitted
New gear knob with Wolfsburg crest
THE EXTERIOR
Bare metal respray in Land Rover Santorini Black
Fully restored, all structural repairs taken care of and new floor sections fitted
Steel wheels with correct wheeltrims, some pitting to chrome
The vendor has ordered a new pair of bumpers for the car that weren’t on it at the time of the photographs being taken, but which will be fitted by the time the auction ends
All correct chrome work, badges and trim
New door seals and rubbers all-round
New chrome around window surrounds
New door mirrors
THE MECHANICS
50bhp 1600 engine, reconditioned during restoration
Freshly serviced
Chrome pancake air filter
Drives well with no known issues – we were able to conduct a 10-mile test drive on the photo shoot and the car drove well, tracking in a straight line with good brakes and steering, no untoward noises from the suspension and lively performance
New exhaust system
New battery
SUMMARY
This is a really nice and smartly restored example of one of the most collectable variants of the Super Beetle, which has just been subject to a comprehensive overhaul carried out by someone who grew up working on Beetles and Type 2s and, quite literally, has the bug.
It’s sympathetically done, retaining as much originality as possible other than the colour scheme, which we think really suits it, yet is not over-restored to the point of being a trailer queen – this is a car you can happily jump in and drive.
As a 1302 S, it has the added appeal of improved performance and cruising refinement, as well as being a car you can buy and enjoy with great parts support and a buzzing social scene.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
