Description
1979 Volkswagen Beetle 1300 — Brazilian Import
This 1979 Volkswagen Beetle 1300 was imported from Brazil. It was originally owned by a single owner from new before being purchased by a member of my family. I later bought the car from them and brought it to the UK.
The car is remarkably original and retains an impressive number of its original factory-fitted components. It still has the original Volkswagen/ VAG logos on numerous parts, including the windows, glovebox, relays, bumpers, cigarette trays, wheels, and many components throughout the engine bay.
Even underneath the car, original components can still be found. I had an MOT done last year and looked underneath the car to find the CV boots still carry their original VAG markings, which is something that not even I was expecting
The original speedometer is still fitted and retains its Volkswagen logo, production date and original factory seal. The seal is still intact, indicating that the speedometer has never been opened or tampered with since it left the factory proving the authenticity of the mileage.
The car is exceptionally solid, with little to no significant rust. There are a few small chips and imperfections in the paintwork, which can all be seen in the photographs.
The underside has never been coated with underseal, allowing the condition of the original metalwork to be inspected without the concern of rust or previous repairs being hidden beneath a thick layer of underseal.
The car is garage stored from August through to April each year and is only driven during the drier months for casual driving and classic car shows.
This year in particular I only had it out for about a month in.
Changes made since being imported:
Carburetor – The original Brazilian carburetor was designed for the fuel and conditions in Brazil and caused the engine to run rich on UK petrol. It has therefore been replaced with a carburetor better suited to running on UK fuel. The car now runs much better, and the original Brazilian carburetor will be included with the sale.
Portawalls (Whitewalls) – I have fitted Portawall inserts between the wheel rims and tyres to give the appearance of traditional whitewall tyres. Most of the photographs were taken before these were fitted, but I have included additional photographs showing the car with them fitted.
The car comes with two keys, one original and one duplicate, as well as the original owner's handbook.
The car is MOT exempt and tax exempt as a historic vehicle. Despite being MOT exempt, an MOT was voluntarily carried out last year.
In Brazil, vehicles over 30 years old can qualify for historic black registration plates if they retain at least 80% of their original components. This Beetle has achieved that certification, and I have the original documentation to prove it. This provides further documentation supporting the car's originality.
Overall, this is a very genuine and unusually original Brazilian Beetle. A large number of original parts, markings and components remain with the car, including details that are often replaced or lost over the years.
I am happy to answer any questions, provide additional photographs or videos, and, for serious buyers, I am happy for the underside of the car to be inspected so you can see its condition for yourself.
