Highlights
- High-quality Karmann in smart red
- £20,000 restoration completed in 2021
- Full bare metal respray and comprehensive renovation
- Rust free example
- Engine rebuilt by Cool Classics with only a few thousand miles since
- Gearbox rebuild and new clutch installed
- Voluntary MOT to May 2026 with no advisories
The Appeal
Four-seat classic convertibles, ones that you can comfortably and confidently use, do not get much more characterful and stylish than a Karmann Beetle. And this 1972 example, in smart red 1302S, is a very good one.
It is a USA car that was first registered in 1972. The vendor acquired it in 2021 as a part-finished project to add to his small Beetle collection. He finished what the previous keeper started, the full restoration and rebuild, covering bodywork, paintwork and mechanicals, coming in at £20,000. You can tell this is not a run-of-the-mill Karmann from the photos.
The work included a bare metal respray and in factory-correct red. Specialist Cool Classics rebuilt the engine and the gearbox has also been renovated. The clutch was replaced recently and the whole refurbished set up has covered few miles since completion.
A German auto museum certificate confirms the build date and matching numbers status. The car comes to market with the added reassurance of a lengthy, voluntary MOT to May 2026 with no advisories.
The vendor says:
“The car is a dream to drive with the roof up.or down. It's a very attractive and original car that drives as well as it would have done in the seventies. I love it's originality, an excellent car. i
“It has been regularly serviced and maintained regardless of cost by my local and very knowledgeable aircooled specialist garage. I have receipts for all the work done by them.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1972
- Spent time in USA
- Previously painted blue which was changed in November 2016
- Seven registered previous keepers
- Selling due to health reasons
- Current keeper since June 2021
- Complete service history available since current ownership
- Imported from US by previous keeper
- Full renovation including bare metal respray with costs exceeding £20,000
- We are told that the history file shows receipts for this work
- Restoration work begun by previous keeper and completed by seller
- Garaged by previous owner and stored in purpose-built barn by current keeper
- Only used during summer months
- Only for sale due to seller's health reasons
- German Auto Museum Certificate confirming originality
- Built on April 5, 1972 in Osnabruck, Germany
- Letter from museum confirms matching and original VIN and engine numbers
- 2 set of keys
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- MOT to 20th May 2026 with no advisories
The Condition
- Smart red paintwork in good order with few indications of age and use
- Some minor stone chips to note as shown in photos
- Bodywork restored in recent years and presents very well in photos
- Vendor reports that there are no dents or scratches
- Black folding hood in very good condition with clean headlining as shown
- Underside appears free from notable defect
- Underside recently inspected by local Beetle garage
- No structural advisories on current MOT
- Steel wheels with matching spare and chrome hub caps
- Hub caps show very light tarnish in photos but not unsightly
- Fitted with matching white banded tyres
- Black vinyl interior with USA specification high back seats with headrests
- We are told that the interior is largely original except wooden gear knob
- Retains its original period radio as shown and four spoke wheel with leather wrap
- All switches work properly and speedometer, fuel gauge etc all functioning
The Mechanics
- 1.6-litre air-cooled flat-four
- 4spd manual transmission
- Car starts and runs well according to the seller
- Factory standard except for electronic ignition
- Vendor reports that there are no known faults
- Recently checked over prior to MOT test by local aircooled specialist
- Engine rebuilt by Cool Classics
- Gearbox rebuild and new clutch installed
- Car has covered few miles since the mechanical work
- Drives as expected we are told
- No advisories on MOT
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
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