Highlights
- Comprehensive body-off restoration
- In current ownership for approximately 18 years
- Certificate from the Volkswagen Museum verifying vehicle identity and matching the original engine number
- Factory standard mechanicals with no modifications
- Recommissioned and set up by Moores Classic VW, a marque specialist
The Appeal
The 1303LS Karmann Convertible represents the final evolution of the air-cooled Beetle cabriolet, produced by Karmann in Osnabrück to a fine specification. MacPherson strut front suspension and a more refined cabin made for an altogether more developed open-top experience than its predecessors, and they remain among the most sought-after variants of the classic Volkswagen range.
This 1973 example has been in the current owner's care since 2008 and has undergone a body-off restoration. Stripped to bare metal and resprayed in Marathon Blue metallic - a genuine Volkswagen colour - the shell received new floor pans, a full Dintrol corrosion treatment, and a new wiring loom. The interior was refurbished by Newton Commercial, and a new Sonnenland hood was fitted. Mechanically, all running gear, brakes, suspension and clutch were replaced with new VW parts, and the car was recommissioned by Moores Classic VW. Crucially, it comes with a certificate from the Volkswagen Museum confirming the vehicle's identity, alongside a substantial file of invoices.
Key Information
- Mileage: 53,113km
- Country of registration: UK
- Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
- Technical specs: 1285cc 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed manual transmission
- Paperwork: Certificate from the Volkswagen Museum, invoices and MOT certificate
The Detail
- Bare metal respray in Marathon Blue metallic (genuine VW colour); 1 litre of original paint supplied with the car
- Floor pans replaced and powder-coated
- Treated with Dintrol system for corrosion protection
- The vendor reports the car is rust-free
- New Sonnenland hood and headlining fitted; hood frame powder-coated
- New wiring loom fitted
- All five wheels are powder-coated
- New window and door seals fitted
- Interior fully refurbished by Newton Commercial with new carpets
- Seats are clean and well-kept
- Instruments are clean and legible
- New battery fitted
- Fuel tank cleaned and powder-coated
- All engine tinware is powder-coated
- All running gear, brakes, suspension and clutch replaced with new VW parts
- Engine and brakes are factory standard with no modifications
- Recommissioned and set up by Moores Classic VW garage
- Always dry-stored
- Slight damage to rear wings sustained while in storage and a slight blemish on each door
- Fuel gauge sender unit needs replacing as the gauge is not registering
- The vendor reports the car starts well and runs fine but would probably benefit from a slight tune-up
- Drives and stops well with no gearbox problems reported
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 is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own 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.
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✓ 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 on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
