The Volkswagen Maggiolino - the Italian-market Beetle - was treated to plenty of fanfare when the 1300 arrived in August 1965. Many of the top publications covered the new, more powerful city car, and some even offered one as a competition prize. It's through Automondo Magazine in September 1965 that this particular Maggiolino started its life.

Given away in the September 1965 issue as part of a grand competition, this Beetle was first registered in November of the same year, and would serve as a beloved family car nearly a quarter of a century, before being laid up in a dry cellar for the next thirty-five years.

The current owner discovered the car in 2024, and set about returning it to the road - and it's been quite the comprehensive job.

New cylinders, pistons, reconditioned cylinder heads, a new carburettor, a brake overhaul, new clutch, new exhaust, and new whitewall tyres on refurbished wheels, among other items all make up the work, while the bodywork and interior has been kept as found, with original patina and wear that only adds to its evocative character.

Dubbed 'The Lucky Beetle' by the vendor, this handsome little car has certainly proved fortunate, and we feel particularly fortunate to bring it to market today. The gallery is chock full of interesting photographs from the competition winner's collection to the recovery for restoration. It's an impressive story and a fabulous opportunity for the lucky buyer to commence its next chapter. 

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 of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s 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 and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and  it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer. 

✓ 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. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.