Highlights

Believed to be one of the last 200 Karmann Cabriolets produced at Osnabrück
Rare UK-supplied example in original right-hand drive
Four former registered keepers, current owner since 2020
Substantial history file with owner's handbook
MOT-exempt; fresh voluntary MOT with no advisories

The Appeal

The 1303LS Karmann Cabriolet represents the pinnacle of the air-cooled Beetle convertible line. With improved handling courtesy of MacPherson strut front suspension and rack and pinion steering, plus the larger 1,584cc engine, the 1303LS was the most refined open-top Beetle to leave the factory. Production by Karmann of Osnabrück ceased in 1980, and these late examples are increasingly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

This 1978 example is believed to be one of the last 200 Karmann Cabriolets produced and is a rare UK-supplied car in original right-hand drive, a specification that commands a premium over its left-hand drive counterparts. Having passed through just four registered keepers, it comes accompanied by a substantial history file and a printed owner's handbook.

The vendor describes the chassis as solid, with chrome and bodywork reported in good condition. A high-quality mohair hood has been fitted, and the car is supplied with a rarely seen original zipping tonneau cover, a hood cover, and an outdoor car cover. Mechanically, the vendor notes it has benefited from a front disc brake conversion with new callipers, pads and brake lines, as well as a new battery and fuel lines. The vendor states the engine is smooth and responsive.

It is presented with a fresh voluntary MOT carrying no advisories, and is noted to be both road tax and ULEZ-exempt. There are minor cosmetic items to note, including some carpet staining, a small area of damage on the driver's seat squab, and stiff rear side window winders, but these do little to diminish what is a desirable late-production Karmann Cabriolet.

Key Information

Mileage: 41,309 miles (odometer has been replaced; the reading cannot be warranted)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT-exempt; voluntary MOT valid until May 2027, with no advisories
Technical specs: 1,584cc air-cooled flat-four, four-speed manual
Paperwork: V5C, MOT certificates, printed owner's handbook, various invoices, old tax discs, service book stamped between 1978 and 1987
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The Detail

Cream paintwork with a black soft-top roof over a tan interior; retrimmed with leather and cloth seat facings
Front disc brake conversion fitted with new callipers, pads and brake lines
Recent high-quality mohair/double duck hood fitted, reported in good order
Glass heated rear screen
15-inch Porsche Fuchs style alloy wheels fitted; spare wheel supplied
Blaupunkt San Remo CF34 stereo fitted
Factory equipment includes quartz clock, face-level ventilation, intermittent wipe, reversing lights, reclining seats with headrests, and rubber bumper inserts
Supplied with hood cover, original zipping tonneau cover with dashboard fitting studs, and Just Kampers outdoor car cover
Road tax and ULEZ-exempt, we are told
Small area of damage on the driver's seat squab, possibly a burn
Rear side window winders are stiff and would benefit from overhaul
Some staining of the carpet, particularly in the driver's footwell
Mild pitting on the chrome exhaust tailpipes
Cigar lighter is absent
Stereo system is not wired through the ignition
Invoice on file dated July 2020 for a service with Bedrock Retro Dubs, including spark plugs, air filter and a fuel pipe

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