Desirable registration number - pays homage to '50s 'Oval' Beetles
Attractive two-tone paint scheme
Tastefully modified using earlier Beetle parts
The Appeal
With its curious curved body and innovative rear-mounted, air-cooled boxer engine, the inimitable Volkswagen Beetle turned our idea of the conventional automobile upside down, and in doing so, became a sociocultural icon that has touched the lives of quite literally millions of people.
Evoking many details of the beloved ‘50s and ‘60s Beetles, this 1972 1300 has been tastefully modified cosmetically to incorporate styling cues from arguably prettier early Volkswagens while benefiting mechanically from the later 1285cc twin port engine. Therefore, the car we have here is akin to a VW ‘greatest hits’ album, cherry-picking the best design elements from the Beetle’s long history. Resplendent with roof rack, an attractive two tone paint finish and wearing a desirable registration number, this Volkswagen embodies the fun of the Beetle scene and is sure to be cherished for years to come.
The History and Paperwork
Purchased by the current owner from Brookside VW Aircooled Specialists in 2009
Specialist service history since purchase, performed by Brookside VW
Stored in garage when not in use
Has covered very few miles in the past few years
Service invoice portfolio totalling over £3,500 since 2014
MOT until July 2023 - although exempt due to age
Last serviced in May 2023 by Brookside VW (invoice supplied)
The Interior
Original interior
Black textured vinyl seats
Very good condition
While this car has been modified externally, inside it remains very original. The textured black vinyl seats hold their form and present well with the vendor showing us that the only significant damage to report is a tear in the passenger seat. The vinyl headlining remains well-supported and is in clean condition for its age. The black carpets too are in fair condition and are certainly serviceable.
The vendor informs us that everything inside the cabin works, although there is currently no radio fitted. As the comparatively basic 1300 model, the driver is presented with a flat windscreen and utilitarian metal dashboard, which in this case has been repainted and looks very smart.
At the front of the car, the boot is very presentable, holding the spare wheel, fuel tank and washer bottle.
The Exterior
Moon dish hubcaps
Earlier bumpers with overriders
Pre-1968 front wings
Two tone colour scheme
Desirable registration number
It’s on the outside where this Beetle has seen some modification. Contrary to popular belief, Volkswagen did not offer the Beetle in a two tone paint finish, although it was a popular choice of many enthusiasts in period. This classic colour combination of red and cream really suits the car and the red highlights on the moon dish accessory hubcaps and colour coded cream wheels complement the paintwork tremendously.
Volkswagen enthusiasts will have identified that the front wings on this Beetle feature the slanted lights and grills of pre-1968 cars. Therefore, the wings have likely been changed or modified at some point in the past. These, along with the earlier chrome bumpers and unvented deck lid, give this 1972 1300 the appearance of the mid ‘60s Beetles. It was previously lowered but the vendor has had it raised back to standard ride height in May 2023.
The vendor informs us that the condition of the paintwork is generally very good with the odd area perhaps requiring a little attention. There is for example some bubbling beginning to show on the front edge of the boot lid. Overall, the paintwork appears very smart and the bodywork underneath looks to be straight with panels that fit well. The vendor advises that the the boot lid catch can be temperamental but is easily operated by pulling the cable by the glove box.
The vendor is unaware of any corrosion on the car and indeed it looks to be very solid both topside and underneath. Like many Volkswagens of this vintage, some welding has been carried out in the past in order for the Beetle to meet MOT requirements.
There is a small scuff of the driver’s side running board although these can quite easily be removed for repair or replacement. We can see some slight pitting and tarnishing to some of the car’s exterior brightwork but this light level of patination is pleasing to the eye and all the trim is quite serviceable.
The cream wheels match the paintwork and are again a nod to the earlier cars. The glass appears in fine shape and the AA Relay sticker in the rear window is a nice period piece.
The vendor points out that this car’s registration spells ‘Oval’ - a fitting homage to the oval window Beetles of the 1950s which this car emulates in many ways. The period roof rack really suits the car’s look and the vendor tells us that it attracts many compliments. There are also two extra spare tyres with good tread remaining.
The Mechanics
1285cc twin port engine
Engine comprehensively serviced in 2019
Runs and drives smoothly
Last serviced in May 2023
The characterful thrum of the flat-four engine is instantly recognisable to car enthusiasts and this example runs very sweetly. Having been last comprehensively serviced in March 2019 at a cost of £1,250 with little milage since, the 1285cc engine is in very fine working condition and so the car drives very well indeed, with no smoke or leaks.
Utilising the twin port engine, this Beetle benefits from improved gasflow and so produces more power than some of its predecessors. The four-speed manual gearbox operates well and the car stops in a straight line as it should. The engine compartment no longer has its sound deadening although everything therein is very clean and tidy. At some point the magnesium block has been painted red to match the exterior colour.
Summary
If you’ve always wanted a Beetle that has that classic ‘60s look, then this 1300 has got to be a serious contender.
In fine cosmetic and mechanical order, this car is an eminently usable classic that one could feasibly use on a very regular basis.
Notice to bidders
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