The Beetle is a perennial choice for anyone after a usable, easy-to-run daily classic. With a huge support network and parts widely available, it's a perfect choice for anyone after a first classic or a simple car they can easily maintain themselves. Finished in shining red, this Beetle looks and sounds the part. It will certainly get you noticed.
The original 1,200cc engine has been replaced with an uprated 1,641cc unit alongside other choice modifications. It also features an excellent stance, having been lowered on a drop beam for a bit of added street cred.
If you’re looking for a classic motor that's easy to run, a bit different and very cool, then this could be your lucky day.IMG_0990.jpg214.46 KB
The History and Paperwork
First registered in 1973
Part service history
Renovated and customised 10 years ago
Converted to RHD
Engine replaced with 1,641cc unit
Featured on the Santa Pod ‘Bugfest’ poster and advertising
V5c present
MOT to June 2023
2 sets of keys
While the car has clearly been quite significantly customised and upgraded, as there’s not much in the way of history or paperwork before the last few years, specific details are a little thin on the ground. However, in addition to the engine upgrade, front disc brakes have been added, as well as a twin Solex carburettor set-up. Over the last two years, significant maintenance and servicing has been carried out by the owner, as evidenced by the invoices included.
One of the joys of any Beetle is the simplicity - harking back to motoring's infancy. This car maintains that original, simple feel in the cabin, but with a sprinkling of upgrades and more modern features to make everyday driving as easy as possible.
Overall the interior is very tidy and features black Porsche seats with contrast red piping. The door cards and carpets are black with matching red trim, with some neat personalisation, such as the bespoke window winders and aftermarket gearshifter. All of the internal metal surfaces are finished in the same red as the bodywork, and look to be in very good condition.
The classically style wooden steering wheel was fitted in October 2021 and really looks the part. Meanwhile, the headlining has been renewed with a new leatherette item that features a hand-painted red diamond motif.IMG_1175.jpg165.09 KB
The Exterior
Mars Red paintwork
Headlamp grills and period wing mirrors
Alloy wheels
Front and rear bumpers with over-riders and nudge bars
The bright mars Red paintwork is in very good condition with only a small scratch on the roof from a roof-rack incident. The chrome door trims have been replaced recently and the older original chrome parts wear their patina well.
Sitting on wide rear tyres and new fitted, lower profile front tyres, the 5-spoke alloy wheels suit the car well. They could benefit from a light refurbishment, but otherwise are in very good condition.
The rear engine cover has been fitted with adjustable, custom hinges so the cover can be fixed part-open to aid engine cooling if required. Underneath, the car presents well, looking solid and in good condition, with no evidence of corrosion or damage we could see.IMG_0994.jpg150.86 KB
The Mechanics
Part service history
1,641cc engine
Twin Solex carbs
Front disc brakes
Recently serviced
As well as the new, larger capacity engine, upgrade to twin carbs and front brake disc conversion, the current owner has maintained the car well and had a lot of work carried out over the last year or so. This includes:
April 2021: New exhaust, battery, new fuel pump and lines, full service, 2x new front tyres
October 2021: New steering wheel, new driveshaft gaiters, steering adjustment
April 2022: Full service, new starter motor, starter motor wiring refurbished
June 2022: Headlamp relays renewed, new suspension ball joint, new upper steering ball joint
Along with the long MOT (June 2023) this should give any buyer confidence that this car has really been cared for mechanically.
The owner tells us that all mechanical aspects of the car are working correctly, apart from the windscreen wipers where they believe a new motor is needed.IMG_1005.jpg182.53 KB
Summary
This is a very smart looking Beetle, with a nice level of customisation, providing some genuinely useful upgrades as well as a dash of added style. It's easy to understand why the Beetle is so well loved, and as a classic that's still genuinely usable as an everyday vehicle on modern roads, they take some beating.
With its lovely Mars red finish and unique personalisation, this is a car with bags of character, one that's sure to become a cherished possession for its next lucky owner...
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