I was attracted to buy this car as a result of having had three of those in the 1970s. I particularly like it and its original colour Zenith blau (colour code L639). The purchase was made even more appealing when I realized that this particular car belonged to the one year only era between 1 August 1966, and 31 July 1967, making it arguably the most collectible of all those legendary vehicles. It combines the early styling of the VW bug with the more advanced engineering of the later models. It represents the last year of the sloping headlights and early nose, but benefits from more modern specification including higher ratio gearbox and disc brakes at the front. It has had very low ownership and low mileage. This car has been immaculately and sensitively restored, most of it in 2007/ 2008. There are receipts for £18, 000+. The Paintwork is immaculate making the beetle look almost like new. Original parts have been used extensively and the underside has been generously coated with protective wax. The engine was upgraded with a 1600 unit, which runs extremely sweetly making this rather a fast beetle! The VW garage I have used and trusted for the last 40 years + describe the underside as being in excellent condition. The high quality zenith blau paintwork, combined with the relatively rare factory fitted sliding sunroof with chrome, bumpers and strips, make a very attractive package. The interior is finished with original black vinyl seating, corded carpets, and, innovative for its time, soft touch light and windscreen wiper control buttons, and Blaupunkt radio (with input for a smartphone).
Restoration was extensive and sympathetic. There is all documented. Evidence of all the work carried out, including receipts, and amounting to many thousands of pounds (£18k+). Most of the restoration was carried out by the third of four previous owners. It has a new battery and starts first time.
This beetle was ordered directly from VW in Germany, manufactured in 1966 and collected in Göttingen in September 1967 by the owner, who then immigrated to the US and Canada to fulfil work commitments. The beetle came with him; video interview with the original owner available:
He returned to the UK in 1971 and DVLA allocated a 1973 K plate, explaining why it doesn’t have a 1967 E plate. I went through the process of engaging with VW classic parts in Germany to ascertain its history (authentication certificate include in the documentation file). Despite this, the DVLA insisted the car had the correct plate for the circumstances, based on contemporaneous policy. It was always kept in the garage until it’s restoration in 2007/ 2008 took place and we have garaged it since. It comes with a large and extensive history file.
The car’s origins are quite fascinating, and it is in my opinion, a very special vehicle with exceptional provenance and extensive renovation work to make it a very useable classic. Any prospective purchaser will almost centrally enjoy their custodianship. We have owned it for 4 years, having purchased it from a trusted classic car friend, who runs a classic car storage facility. During this time it has driven from the South of England and completed a tour of the Highlands of Scotland and was a pleasure to drive.
Viewings in Scotland, close to Glasgow airport, or video viewings possible. I can suggest a car transporter if necessary.
