Highlights

Meticulously restored by highly regarded specialist to exceptional standard
Original European LHD market car
Rare 'Oval Window' Beetle with just 1,400 km since comprehensive restoration
Documented single ownership in Sweden from 1955 to 2006
Interior refurbished by the same German company that supplied VW in period
Comprehensive history file with extensive records of rebuild
Recent service, tune up and brake overhaul between 2023 and 2024
VW Classic certificate and various invoices

The Appeal

Motoring icons do not get more influential or distinctive than the original ‘Type 1’ Beetle. Such is the car’s ubiquity that it is easy to forget just how beautifully detailed the early cars were. Here is a timely reminder.

This 1955 Deluxe ‘Oval Window’ car spent its life in Sweden with its first keeper until 2006, before arriving in the UK. From 2016 to 2022 it was subject to the sort of meticulous restoration that wins both awards and concours attention. The work was done by specialists Flatlands Engineering and Wonkey Donkey Emporium, also drawing in the skills of the original German company that trimmed these cars for Volkswagen. The attention to detail is evident in the photos - aficionados will note the ‘heart’ rear lights, Happich grab handle and semaphore indicators. The history file includes a vast array of photos and records of all this work. There is also a factory heritage certificate.

Finished in beautiful Stratos Silver with slate blue fabric interior, the car has only covered 1,400 kms since completion. That means the quality of that work shines out from the photos with barely any sense of subsequent use. The engine was tuned and brakes overhauled in 2023 and a major service undertaken in 2024.

For enthusiasts seeking one of the best early Beetles, and one with fascinating provenance, you may just have found it. A superb example and a very pretty one too.

History and Paperwork

Factory built 10th February 1955
Delivered to VW dealer Scania-Vabis of Sodertalje, Sweden on 12th February 1955
First registered 13th February 1955
Remained with H.H. Andersson of Linköping, Sweden from 1955 until 2006
Imported to the UK on 18/05/2006 and registered as 317 UXU
Four previous UK keepers
Previously black which was re-registered in July 2022
Comprehensive nut & bolt restoration from 2016 to 2022
Work overseen by marque specialists Flatlands Engineering and The Wonky Donkey Emporium
Purchased by the current owner in November 2023 for £32,000
Recent maintenance includes engine tune, brake system overhaul and service
V5C logbook
Import documentation
VW Classic certificate confirming chassis number and manufacture date
Extensive restoration photographs
MOT history shows 11,073 km in May 2006 and 12,776 km in August 2022
No advisories on last MOT
Registered as a Historic Vehicle
2 sets of keys
Vendor reports 1,400 kms covered since the restoration was completed

Ownership history:

1955 to 2006 – Owner H.Andersson of Linköping, Sweden
18/05/2006 - Imported into the UK, First UK owner Mr D.Fritz of Hookwood, Surrey
18/05/2006 – MOT at 11,073 km
03/10/2011 – Owner Mr C.Lowe of Bournemouth, Dorset
09/06/2016 - Owner Mr R.Tomlin of Matfield, Kent
2016 to 2022 - Restored to factory specification and to concours condition by marque specialists Flatlands Engineering and The Wonky Donkey Emporium
05/08/2022 – MOT at 12,776 km
04/04/2023 – Engine tune by B.D Engineering
16/11/2023 – Owner Mr P.Clutton of Cardiff (Purchased from School Garage circa 12,800 km for £32,000)
10/11/2023 – New oval registration plates by Tippers (Invoice £122.00)
05/12/2023 – New period lap belts by Heritage Parts (Invoice £217.90)
06/12/2023 – Tune engine, Striped/cleaned/adjusted brake system by Body & Soul of Cardiff (Invoice £957.56)
07/03/2024 – Service by Body & Soul of Cardiff (Invoice £561.02)

The Condition

Stratos Silver bodywork appears in smart condition following the 2016-2022 nut & bolt restoration
Slate Blue cloth interior has been refurbished by the original German company that supplied VW in period
Features period-correct details including 'Happich' dash grab handle and semaphore-type indicators
Original VW Beetle 'Heart' tail lights fitted as per factory specification
New oval registration plates fitted in November 2023
Period lap belts installed in December 2023
Few if any indications of use as can be checked in photos

The Mechanics

1,192cc air-cooled flat 4-cylinder engine with single port design
4-speed manual transmission
Solex single downdraft carburettor
New type 1 original heat exchangers fitted during restoration
Distributor fully rebuilt by a leading specialist in America during restoration
Engine tune performed by B.D Engineering in April 2023
Brake system stripped, cleaned and adjusted by Body & Soul of Cardiff in December 2023
Most recent service completed by Body & Soul of Cardiff in March 2024
No advisories on last MOT in 2022

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:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.