Highlights
- Previously restored to bare metal in 1990
- Straight body—great base for a restoration or conversion
- Imported from Italy in October 1989, family owned since
- Mechanically maintained to a high level, underside in extremely good shape
The Appeal
the Volkswagen Beetle is generally regarded as ranking highly on the shortlist for being one of the most famous and popular motoring icons worldwide. Its history is widely known, with its sixty plus years of production producing over 21 million of these “bugs.” The initial design dates back to the early 1930s, when Ferdinand Porsche – yes, that Porsche – was instructed to design and develop a “People's Car.” With its inevitable evolution over the years, the basic concept was never hugely altered; contributing to its continued success with spare parts readily available even today.
In 1949, automotive contract manufacturer Karmann introduced a convertible version of the beetle. More than just a chopped and fitted top, the car underwent many changes to bolster the rigidity and chassis strength. Production of the cabriolet ended in 1980 after having produced around 331,000+ convertible beetles in total.
This previously restored example is an excellent opportunity to own the icon, and it’s presented in a classic cream colour with complimentary white interior and navy blue soft-top. Still in good shape from its 33-year-old restoration, this bug just needs a bit of TLC to get cleaned up and shining bright, and is a great base for a restoration project or can be driven and enjoyed as-is.
The History and Paperwork
- V5c present and current
- MOT and tax exempt
- Latest MOT in 2017, no advisories
- Family owned since importation from Italy in 1989
- Underwent full bare metal restoration in 1990
- Receipts present for restoration parts, labour performed by VW/Audi specialists
- New wings all around
- Front and rear valance
- New bumpers fitted
- New Headlights,
- Towbar electrics redone
- New running boards
- New seals all around
- New clutch
- New heat exchanger
- New 1600 engine
- Full respray following welding to fit new body panels
- New canvas navy blue soft top hood fitted in 2001
- Original 1200 engine replaced with 1600 before importation, has since been fitted with more recent 1600 during restoration in 1990
- Alarm and immobiliser fitted but currently untested
- Owner was an active member of VW owner’s club GB and took part in numerous rallies
- Vehicle was officially registered in year 2000 Beetle Census (Certificate no 1267) and has won an award as pictured
- Tool kit and various spare parts, various memorabilia, and manuals as pictured come with vehicle
The Interior
- Interior is in good overall condition, but some wear and signs of use present
- Owner states electronics working as they should, with exception of ignition switch currently works but needs replacement; spare part supplied with sale
- Seats in usable condition, just needs a deep clean
- Driver’s seat rear shows small tear, 2-3 inches as pictured
- Rubber floor mats could do with replacing, but all currently present
- Some adhesive marks and potential corrosion underneath the rear seat, see photos
- Dashboard in good shape, could use some tidying
- Wires could be tidied under dash, but no electrical issues to report from current owner
- Gauges and buttons in great condition, and owner states all functioning correctly
- Steering wheel in good condition with some fading from the sun
- Soft top headlining vinyl in overall good condition with some marks visible as expected for the age, will shine after a deep cleaning
- Soft top hood in excellent condition, having been replaced in 2001, only minor marks on exterior
- Convertible mechanics in excellent condition as well, operation is smooth and effortless
- Driver’s side rear window handle/winder missing; required to roll down rear window
- Front boot in overall great condition, with no signs of corrosion present
The Exterior
- Overall straight body
- Trim and bumpers in good condition
- Brightwork in great shining condition
- Glass in excellent condition with some marks to be expected for the age
- Rubbers and seals in great condition and seemingly all present
- Light lenses in bright condition with no signs of sun fading
- Exterior paint overall good shape, last painted in 1990, some marks and scuffs present but only adds to the character
- Tires in good condition with plenty of tread
- Wheels in good condition, but some small signs of corrosion present around edges, brightwork shining
- Underside in overall spectacular condition for the age, very little sign of corrosion present
The Mechanics
- Engine bay is in above average condition for the age, no corrosion seen
- Drive belt in good condition
- Maintenance up to date, owner states no known issues
- Owner states 1600 engine and transmission runs smoothly and has strong acceleration
- Owner states brakes may benefit from bleeding as they seem slightly weak at this time
- Owner states suspension works as good or better than when new
- Underside rubbers, boots, and bushings in great shape, ready for more miles
- No smoke or strange noises observed, engine sounds healthy and ready to run
Summary
Whether you have big plans to restore it to showroom quality, or simply drive it around town, this Karmann Beetle is an excellent opportunity to get your own piece of automobile history! With just a little TLC, you’ve got an excellent runner with a great condition soft-top, just begging to be driven and enjoyed for years to come.
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.
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