HIGHLIGHTS
- Well presented example
- Rare automatic model
- Original interior
- Low mileage
THE APPEAL
The Volkswagen Beetle stands as one of a handful of automobiles that can genuinely lay claim to having reshaped the world. Its design, rooted in the 1930s, was masterminded by Ferdinand Porsche to deliver affordable and dependable transportation to individuals for whom owning a car had long been an unattainable aspiration. Available in both a two-door saloon and a convertible variant, both of which tip the scales at just under a ton, the Beetle's affordability removed the primary hurdle to car ownership. Its mechanical simplicity and straightforward engineering meant it was easy to maintain.
This rare, desirable 1970 Beetle 1500 Automatic has been with the vendor for the past eight years. The low mileage Beetle, with just 40,689 miles covered, is mainly in original condition apart from the paintwork, which was given a freshen-up four years ago. The repaint was purely cosmetic, and it’s worth noting that just the four wings were replaced, and the underside has never been welded. The car runs as it should; it was given a fluid change in May, and since then, it’s not really been used.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- V5 is present
- Registered on the 1st August 1970
- Two previous keepers listed on the V5C
- MOT exempt
- Very good paperwork history for routine servicing work
- Original owner’s manual
- Original service booklet
- Two keys
- Extensive collection of previous MOT certificates
- Recent service carried out on 24th May 2023
- Original wheels are included but do need to be refurbished
THE INTERIOR
- The original high-back vinyl seats are in excellent condition
- Front seats have adjustable back-rests
- The rear seat is in good order with little signs of use
- Both door cards are free from any damage
- Wolfsburg steering wheel is excellent
- The instruments are working correctly, and the odometer is reading 40,689 miles
- The switches are in very good condition with minimal signs of age and are said to be working correctly
- Centre storage and gear surround are in good order with no splits
- The carpets have been replaced and are in excellent condition
- Original rubber mats are included. There is a small amount of wear to the driver's mat
- The headlining is excellent, with no staining or sagging
- Factory-fitted sunroof opens and closes as it should
- Inside the boot is very clean and tidy
- No corrosion is spotted in the spare wheel tub, which is the original
- The spare wheel, jack and tool kit are present
THE EXTERIOR
- Finished in the original colour of Clementine (L 20 D), believed to have only been available for two years
- The paintwork is excellent, having been repainted four years ago
- Looking around the Beetle, the panel fit is excellent, with equal shut lines
- Four new VW Heritage wings were fitted at the time of the respray
- There is a small corrosion blister under the swage trim on the driver's quarter, which has been there for a while but said not to have gotten any worse
- The windows are excellent, with no noticeable signs of any scratches
- Window seals are in good order with no real perishing
- There is minor tarnishing on the quarter window frames
- Heated rear window as standard
- Clear wind deflector fitted to the factory sunroof
- Headlights are free from any chips to the lenses, and the surrounds have a bright finish
- The chrome bumpers are excellent, with just the smallest amount of tarnishing on the rear
- Rear light lenses have no splits or cracks
- The wheels have been replaced and are finished in black
- A full set of Yokohama tyres is fitted with plenty of tread remaining
THE MECHANICS
- 1500cc air-cooled engine
- The Beetle fires up without hesitation, and the vendor doesn’t report any issues with the running of the car
- Reconditioned starter motor recently fitted
- No leaks were spotted when looking above or below the engine
- Three-speed semi-automatic gearbox
- The rare automatic model changes gears smoothly with no problems reported
- The floor pans are original, and no welding is said to have been carried out to the underside
- No knocks or bangs are reported to come from either corner of the car
- The brakes bring the Beetle to a stop in a straight line with no juddering through the pedal
SUMMARY
Known as the people’s car, the VW Beetle is a fantastic classic for anyone wanting to experience probably one of the most famous Volkswagen’s ever produced.
This 1970 model has just 40,689 miles and has been owned by only two previous keepers before the vendor. In mainly original condition, it’s also an extremely rare automatic model, giving it an appealing edge should you be in the market for a rare classic VW.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
