Description
Only 2500 GT Beetles were made in this specification. Of these, 1000 were in this unique ‘tomato red’ colour. A further 1000 were ‘lemon yellow’ and 500 were ‘apple green’.
They were made in late 1972 in VW’s Belgium factory, to mark the 300, 000th VW Beetle to be sold in the UK. Not many genuine GT Beetles still exist, making this a very rare model.
At the time it was marketed by VW as the fastest production beetle available, with a claimed top speed of 80mph, compared to the 1302 and 1303 models, which were advertised as having a top speed of 78mph.
Based on the European specification 1300s model, the GT Beetle was fitted with Lemmerz Marathon style wheels, front disc brakes, a 1600cc engine, large rear light units (like the 1303), velour cloth seats, padded dashboard and a unique sports gear lever. It was also the first VW to leave the factory with a ‘Beetle’ badge, all previous models having been sold as VW 1200/ 1300/ 1500 Type 1 Saloons.
MMT64L was sold new on 12th January 1973, costing £997 - just £19 more than a standard 1300 Beetle.
This Beetle has been loved and well cared for since that time. It has a very comprehensive service history right from the original sales brochure when new right through to the most recent service and MOT just last month. There are 2 thick folders full of invoices, receipts and previous MOT certificates.
The car was comprehensively restored around 2007 and had a further refresh and high quality respray in the original ‘Tomato Red’ (paint code VW/ L30M) in 2022. The car is in excellent condition. Any rust has previously been cut out and welded to a high standard. Additionally the Beetle was fitted with a new Volkspares ‘Green’ 1600cc engine with uprated heads / valves which allows the use of unleaded fuel.
The car starts on the button and is lovely to drive, keeping up easily with modern traffic.
Classified as a Historic Vehicle, the Beetle is Ulez, MoT & tax exempt, making it a cheap classic car to own and run. Although MOT exempt, an MOT test was done in February 2025. The Beetle passed with no advisory notes. Genuine, verified and documented mileage - 144, 000 miles.
Two complete sets of keys and the V5 is in my name.
Outside:
Classic Beetle and a genuine GT model in limited edition ‘Tomato Red’. Beautiful, unmarked bodywork, resprayed at a cost of £4800 in 2022. Bumpers, light surrounds and chrome trim is all in very good condition. Wheels:
Available with either the original 15x4. 5 Lemmerz Marathon steel wheels (which still have all 4 original centre caps and all 16 plastic wheel nut covers), or a set of almost brand new JBW Porsche 914 style alloys with brand new tyres. Buyer can choose which they prefer.
Engine:
A replacement 1600cc engine was supplied and fitted by Volkspares in 1998 at 117, 000 miles. This engine has hardened valves so the car can be run on modern unleaded fuel without the need for additives. Serviced last month and fuel lines replaced as a precaution as modern fuels can eat through the old rubber fuel lines. The car starts on the button and drives superbly.
Interior:
The headliner is original, but very clean and with no rips or sagging bits. It doesn’t appear that the car has been smoked in. The seats have been re-upholstered in the original brown velour and for additional safety three point seat belts have been fitted in the rear as well. All the carpets are new. The only alterations from standard are that a period looking DAB radio has been fitted and also a switch to power a modern windscreen washer pump - the originals which worked under pressure from the spare tyre were notoriously unreliable!
Video link:
- details above
My first car was a Beetle over 40 years ago and I’ve owned quite a few since. This is one of the nicest I’ve had. Regrettable sale as I’ve moved to a new house with limited parking and now have the chance to buy back a 911 I used to own, so sadly something has to go. Superb example of a rare and sought after model of VW Beetle.
Turns heads everywhere you go. Cheap to run - remember it is exempt from MOT's (although it has one just for peace of mind), also qualifies for free road tax and is ULEZ exempt as well.
Parts are cheap and easy to find and my Classic Car policy is under £100 a year for this car.
Treat yourself, you won't regret it!
