Is there a more iconic car than the Volkswagen Beetle? The very definition of a car for all people, there is a Beetle in some form for everyone. Largely unchanged from its original launch, the Volkswagen engineers very much stuck to the notion of don’t fix what isn’t broken. The simplistic design and mechanics meant that naturally, the Beetle has seen untold successes, and for good reason.

Having been subject to a highly extensive body off restoration, what we have here is an exquisite example of a Beetle from the golden years of the model’s production. A clear and solid example, boasting subtle modifications and a delightful metallic blue black paint scheme to really stand out from the crowd. With the warm weather incoming, this is an ideal car to enjoy those summer months, courtesy of its near bulletproof mechanics and genuine usability.

 

This fine example of a Beetle was subject to a total body off nut bolt restoration between 2004 and 2007. It was then purchased by the previous owner In 2008 as a present for his daughter with the mileage at 15300. She used the car until 2015 by which time the Mileage was 35202. After this, the car was parked up in her fathers garage and covered up where it remained until 2019 when it was briefly brought out of hibernation and taken for an MOT and passed with the mileage of 35217.

It was then returned to her fathers garage and covered up again until it was found following the father’s bereavement earlier this year and brought out into the light of day to be polished and started for the first time in a number of years.

A wonderful mix of beautiful dark blue paintwork and contrasting white vinyl, the cabin of the beetle is one that presents in excellent condition. Front and rear the incredibly comfortable seats sit proudly in their white vinyl upholstery. A testament to the quality of the restoration, we find these, and the rest of the cabin to be distinctly lacking in the wear and blemishing often found on older VW’s. Looking down, we find a smart carpet set draping its way over the floor pans and footwells, and at the sides, a neat set of door panels, matching in their white vinyl, can be seen, similarly free of wear and fading.

WIth simplicity always on the mind of the design team at VW, the front dash piece found in the beetle is rather minimalist, a small selection of switchgear and an original central dash mounted radio can be seen, all presenting well and in good order, however in the interest of upgrading the sound system without detracting from the originality of the cabin, an upgraded radio head unit has been installed neatly within a custom panel in the glovebox.

Up top we find the party piece, the reason this particular beetle so proudly wears the Karman badge. The convertible top. Need not wait for slow electric motors to fold away the roof here, instead, the smart black mohair roof piece can be folded back in a matter of seconds after unlatching and stowed within a protective black cover. The roof itself is in excellent condition and can be opened and closed with ease at request of the operator.

 

With a powerful shine exuding from all angles, the little VW scores high marks in the aesthetic category. Sporting an excellent metallic blue black paint job that has been done to the highest of standards, this is a car that is undoubtedly in outstanding condition both inside and out.

Having had the body removed, soda blasted and then fully resprayed, it comes as no surprise to report that Beetle’s paintwork has borne the test of time well and presents as such, with a deep glossy shine exuding from the car’s excellent curved body lines. The wrap-around chrome “europa” front and rear bumpers, of an equally high standard, play their part to further set the car off from the outside, as do the rest of the chrome trim pieces dotted around the vehicle.

The various shut lines, door jambs and wing beading, things so often overlooked on these cars, are all of a great standard. This combined with the general high quality of the car’s exterior, really help show this as the honest well cared for vehicle that it is.

At ground level, we are presented with a great set of four quality Empi style 8 spoke alloy wheels. Finished in a mix of dark grey Centres with polished alloy rims. Opening the neatly trimmed front storage compartment, we find a full size fifth spare steel wheel, which mirrors the high quality of the four alloys found at each corner of the car.

 

Naturally, Volkswagen couldn’t claim to have created a true peoples car in the Beetle without backing it up with some solid, reliable, and most importantly, simple mechanical underpinnings. Cue the little air cooled 4 cylinder motors that have over time, acquired something of a legend status among those in the know.

The example we see here is powered by the rarer, but equally excellent, 1500cc air cooled four cylinder. Alongside extra badging and an upgraded engine capacity, these 1500s were equipped from the factory with disc brakes, a much needed upgrade over the smaller capacity 1200 and 1300 cars.
The engine and gearbox in this Beetle present in impeccable condition, having been removed from the car and then rebuilt during the restoration process and covering just 20,000 miles since then.

On the road the Beetle is reported to provide the raw, rewarding drive that is so quintessential of these little cars. The 4 speed manual transmission effortlessly floats through the gears and the braking system has no issues bringing the car to a stop. Being such a well cared for example, it brings no surprise to report that the Beetle has incredibly clean underpinnings to complement the great engine and bodywork which it sits under.

Perspective buyers will also be interested to know that this car has been fitted with both a battery isolator switch and a fire suppression system.

 

That iconic shape, that absolutely exquisite metallic paintwork, and that wonderful convertible top. Might this just be the perfect summer classic?

In the Volkswagen Beetle, one is getting a truly wonderful piece of engineering, in a genuinely usable yet stylish package. Something the writer of this piece can attest to, having driven a very similar example every day for the past four years with little to no issue.

Still fresh from restoration, with a clean interior and exterior alongside solid mechanical underpinnings, this Beetle is ready for a new owner to thoroughly enjoy over the next few months, perfect for some top down cruising, a classic car show or just a run about town, the peoples car is at home anywhere.

Notice to bidders