An unusually original and honest example of a ’65 Beetle
A fascinating and rare provenance having been in one family’s ownership since new
Having just been fully recommissioned for regular use by a renowned classic VW specialist
The Appeal
Most will know how Disney decided on the VW Beetle as the subject of their popular Herbie films. They parked a number of different cars of the period outside their Burbank studios and watched the staff’s reactions to each. It was the Beetle that everyone seemed to gravitate towards, sitting inside, honking the horn and the like.
This delightful and faithfully original Beetle certainly exudes that same irrepressible personality and innate appeal by the bucket load. It’s in great condition but it’s not quite a concourse standard show car. In many ways it is better for that too. This means it remains eminently useable and the current VW specialist owner has intentionally retained that legendary Beetle practicality.
The interior of this Beetle is a delightful time-capsule
In a highly original condition, it presents in a charming condition
The seats are covered in the, seemingly, original “Platinum” fabric
The condition of all seats and seat backs is very good considering the originality
The door cards are vinyl covered and in great, used condition
The grey cord carpeting has been replaced in the recent recommissioning
The headlining is the original, perforated vinyl set and in good, used condition
The body-coloured dash is in excellent condition with all the correct chrome embellishments
The two spoke steering wheel with it’s Wolfsburg boss is an original item
The front boot contains the spare wheel and spare fan belt in a “Beetle configuration”
The interior of this Beetle is charmingly original with all the iconic Beetle touches present, correct and in excellent used condition. The familiar Platinum seat fabric is in fine fettle and the painted dash is bright and pristine.
The delightful under dash, woven storage shelf and basic but signature speedometer helps remind you of what the motoring world looked like back in 1965. It’s a pleasingly nostalgic experience and one not to be missed.7f27Snd0gbaFf4tbs5Ga8m0l0Xq4jScMKSjPjzOb.jpeg1.81 MB
The Exterior
As detailed above, this Beetle was professionally resprayed in around 1990
That work has lasted very well with the Pearl White paintwork presenting very well overall
It is not without the odd, age-appropriate mark here and there of course
The panel gaps are tight and symmetrical considering the age of the car
The operation of doors and opening panels is good and precise
The chrome work is bright and shiny
All light lenses and cabin glass appear to be original and in great condition throughout
The wheels have been repainted as part of the recent recommissioning
The wheels are fitted with the signature, domed and chromed VW hubcaps
New Hankook tyres in the period-correct size and configuration have been fitted all round
This little Bug presents very well indeed, and the Pearl White paintwork and very solid bodywork leave the viewer with a very positive impression overall. It is refreshing to see a Beetle of this period in true, “as Wolfsburg intended” trim too. It serves as a timely reminded of what a truly pioneering piece of automotive design the original Peoples’ Car really was. aweLCumXcTiZs0dx6pQXkcqcwQazj7b2GuJmuV1N.jpeg2.16 MB
The Mechanics
This Beetle is fitted with the familiar 1200cc, air-cooled VW engine
The engine is known to have been fully rebuilt in 1990
The paperwork suggests that the car has covered a miniscule mileage since then
The car has recently undergone a specialist mechanical recommissioning too
Little work was required at this point, but some items have been replaced such as the distributor cap and HT leads
The car has recently been serviced and covered just a few miles since
We witnessed the car start and run and can report that it operated without issue
On the way to the photo location, we followed the little Beetle and can attest to how well the car started and ran and how nippy it seemed belying it’s modest engine capacity and power output. The vendor is a classic VW specialist of some renown and has been sure to carefully recommission the car to provide a 1965 Beetle which can be driven to the supermarket one day and to the classic car show the following day.
Given the huge production numbers of the original Beetle it is not a particularly rare sight today. What is rare, however, is to find one of this early a vintage that hasn’t been modified, often not that tastefully. To see one in this very honest and original condition is really refreshing and makes the car stand out all the more.
This example walks the perfect line between condition and usability too. As you will see from the photographic package it is in excellent condition throughout. It’s not concourse, however, making it a much more practical proposition for an owner who wants to use and enjoy the car.
With it’s charming “one-family provenance” this little VW Beetle really represents a very compelling proposition for an enthusiastic and well-informed new ow
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