Probably one of the most easily recognized cars on Earth, Volkswagen’s ‘Beetle’ became hugely popular all over the world.
Simple, tough, economical and, well…ugly, and with that distinctive air-cooled, flat-four sound, the ‘Bug’ was the best-selling car on the planet by 1968. By 1972, and with more than 15,000,000 made, the Beetle surpassed Ford’s Model T record production numbers.
Indeed, it carried on in production in Brazil and Mexico long after its German parent company had ceased building it (in 1978).
This particular variation on the Beetle theme was converted early in its life and imported into the UK in 2003. Being a limousine, and a fairly niche one at that, it’s mileage is not high and the vehicle has led a fairly sedentary (and garaged) life.
Somehow, a Beetle always manages to remain a Beetle, and the distinctive silhouette is still there – even if somewhat longer. And that is part of its charm; it is still a Beetle as much as it is a limousine.
Overall, the Volkswagen makes a good impression, with the slightly more antique shade of white suiting the car’s style and age. The paint finish is good across the limo’s length with all panels retaining a good gloss and showing no significant dents or scrapes. There are a few traces of surface corrosion in joins in the hinges, but areas such as the rain gutters and those behind the rear grills remaining clean and free from corrosion.
The chrome on the cowled headlights shows some pitting, but the bumpers look very good – the rear looking especially new. Other details such as the chrome belt line detail are good, and the beading between body panels and wheel arches is straight and shows no signs of overspray. Rubber seals such as that around the boot number plate light and window surrounds are largely very good, though in one or two places, the latter do show one or two cracks or small perished areas.
Generally, the whole shape hangs together well – shut lines on both sides remain close and there is nothing in the opening and closing action of the doors to suggest that the body is sagging. The Everflex-style sunroof opens easily and moves quite smoothly with no cracks in the heavy vinyl.
Travelling in this car is still as much about being in a Beetle – with the original style and character – as it is about being in a ‘limo’. As such, the cabin’s ‘aesthetic’ is carried through from front to back, with no partition separating the driver from the rear.
The whole interior carries a fairly Sixties ‘GT stripe’ feel. And, continuing the sporty theme, the driver gets the benefit of a thick wood-rimmed Momo steering wheel. The red on white seats retain a vivid colour and are mostly very clean.
There is a thin stain on the lower edge of the rear seat, and some ‘dents’ on the surface of one cushion, but these will ease out, having just been caused by the cushion leaning against another object. There is no significant wear to the seats and the matching door panels are in good order. (Not the more sporty Wolfsburg Edition window winders).
The head lining is clean and the floor coverings likewise, if quite utilitarian – a la original VW. There are some untidy areas; rust in the door edges and a little surface corrosion atop of the near-side passenger door – and a split in the rubber seal there – but these areas are unlikely to be noticed by the occupants in the rear when travelling.
This Beetle benefits from the more powerful 1600cc flat four. Everything under the engine cover looks to be intact, thought the motor and its surroundings could do with a clean.
Underneath, the car appears basically sound, though there are areas of corrosion. The eight-spoke Minilite-like wheels look good – and work nicely with the whole vive.
This VW limo is a fairly niche vehicle, and, as we’ve said, is still as much about being a Beetle as it is a limousine. It’s for those who will enjoy both and for whom nothing else will quite do!
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