Highlights

Acquired by the vendor from its original owners, a father and son
Highly original and beautifully preserved
Front disk brake conversion
Benefits from a recent specialist service

The Appeal

By the advent of the 1970s, the long-lived and much-loved Beetle was starting to feel rather old-fashioned, so Volkswagen introduced its most radical redesign yet. The 1302 and 1303 featured a re-engineered front end with MacPherson strut suspension, wishbones and a stabiliser. The 1303 was further enhanced by a curved windscreen and an all-new padded dashboard in an attempt to modernise the cabin and provide more distance between front seat passengers and the windscreen.

This was the most advanced evolution of the original Type 1 Beetle and we’re pleased to present this fantastic example. It’s had just three registered keepers from new as the vendor acquired the car from the original father and son owners. The Beetle is well presented throughout, highly original and in lovely condition. The vendor informs us that it benefits from copious recent work including a professional service.

For those seeking a superb ready-to-use Beetle that could quite easily be elevated to show car condition, this 1303 is eminently worthy of your consideration.

The History and Paperwork

Original F. Cunningham & Sons dealer sticker in the rear window
Original Irish logbook
The VIN indicates this 1303 was built in 1974 although the logbook suggests it was first sold in 1976
Supplied in right-hand drive
Three registered keepers: the original keeper, their son and then the vendor
Just 61,108 miles indicated
Benefits from a recent service

The Condition

We’re assured that this is an entirely corrosion-free example
Straight bodywork with good panel alignment and even door gaps
The painted steel wheels present well and are fitted with new Sonar tyres (including the spare)
Superb blue paintwork
Besides some very small superficial blemishes visible upon close inspection, we could see no notable paint defects
The chrome bumpers, door handles and trims present very well
Stone guards fitted to all four arches
Recently fitted with a new windscreen
Commendably original interior
Light wear evident to the original Tex vinyl upholstery
No cracks evident to the dashboard
Smart door cards
There are a few blemishes and a cut in the headlining
The carpeting appears in good overall condition

The Mechanics

1,284 cc air-cooled twin-port flat-four
Four-speed manual gearbox
Disc brake conversion carried out during present ownership
The original drum brakes accompany the car
Recent mechanical service
New carburettor supplied (not fitted)
New battery
New stainless steel tailpipes
We’re informed that it runs well and drives as it should

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 deposit. 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 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.

✓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.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com