Description
1974 1303s super beetle 1600cc very low mileage car having only covered 18k miles from date of registration being September 1974. In 1995 the original owner decided to have the car customised at volkspeed engineering in ashtead surrey, the restoration involved a change of colour to silver and replacing the interior with custom made leather seats dash head lining and door cards it was also fitted with a set of centerline alloys which were popular at the time. (See old photo of car when at volkspeed) However following the completion of this work the vehicle was not used from august 1995 until i aquired it in 2023 hence the low mileage.
Vehicle required a comprehensive restoration replacing the entire braking system new fuel tank and lines a substantial amount of welding mainly to the rear which had been exposed to the elements. The vehicle was repainted in its original Moose Green metallic paint which I prefer. I used 2k paint along with 2k clear coat. I could have chosen to have it painted by a professional body shop but then realistically i would be selling the car for a lot more and i feel this would potentially reduce the prospective number of buyers and i probably would be less likely to enjoy driving the car for fear of getting the paint marked. I would have liked to replace the nice interior with original seating but will leave that to the next owner should they wish to change.
The engine was completely stripped down to the short block and rebuilt back up to make sure it hadn't suffered from lack of use over the years. The carburetor was replaced as original was a bit too grotty. But I still have it if wanted.
Original suspension and gearbox all very good. All new bushes track rod ends and wheel bearings, along with anything else that was required. Body workwise the car is now rot free the floor pan is also extremely good there was a few patches that needed work these have been repaired and the entire floor pan undersealed using 3m stone chip paint. I sourced original steel wheels with new period size tires for this particular model. The vehicle drives extremely well engine pulls well through all 4 gears I fitted a short shifter so its nicer than original longer gear shift. The vehicle has the added benefit of having an electric heated front and rear windscreen which I was very surprised to discover as didn't even know it was a thing in 1974.
Vehicle is Mot and tax exempt being classified as an historic vehicle.
In summary my beetle is a very nice car both to drive and look at. It is not by any means a concourse. But it is a solid and enjoyable classic car that needs to be used. I'm pleased I was able to bring back to the road after so many years. Original vw service booklet wallets and other documents relating to the vehicle. Vw service history up until late 80s
