Probably one of the most easily recognized cars on Earth, Volkswagen’s ‘Beetle’ became hugely popular all over the world. Simple, tough, economical and, well…ugly, and with that distinctive air-cooled, flat-four sound, the ‘Bug’ was the best-selling car on the planet by 1968. 

By 1972, and with more than 15,000,000 made, the Beetle surpassed Ford’s Model T record production numbers. Indeed, it carried on in production in Brazil and Mexico long after its German parent company had ceased building it (in 1978).

During its lifetime, innumerable variations of the Beetle were produced or custom-built, such as the cabriolet, most notably built by Karmann-Ghia.

The Beetle has led a pretty quiet life, amassing only 34,000 miles driven in its 50 years on the road. And probably its most recent keepers have changed its life the most. The VW’s previous keeper was a classic car restorer (the Beetle being his personal car), who restored the car in around 2016. 

Having driven few miles since the restoration, the car was recently acquired by the proprietor of South Yorkshire-based EV Retro (evretro.co.uk) and converted to electric power, its 1300cc air-cooled four-pot being swapped out for a 120hp HyPer 9 three phase motor.

Interestingly, the Volkswagen still retains its road tax-free Historic Vehicle status, its upgrades being seen as an ‘environmental improvement’. The new electrics will also been given a 12 month warranty by EV Retro.

There isn’t a lot of paperwork to go with the car. MOT certificates go a long way to corroborating the low mileage, while the original receipts for the new hardware tell you pretty much all the componentry that has gone into the conversion.

Overall, the Volkswagen makes a very good impression. All panels are straight and shut lines around the vehicle remain consistent. The slightly brighter than sage shade of green looks both contemporary and classic. The paint finish is excellent across the car’s length with all panels retaining a deep gloss and showing no dents or scrapes. 

The chrome is likewise in top condition, with bumpers and headlights offering a most lustrous appearance. There are one or two scuffs on smaller parts, but nothing that detracts from the overall appearance of the car.  Details such as the screws of the headlight surrounds, joins, seams and junctions in the metal and the hinges are also tidy; clean and rust-free. Seals and rubber mounting supporting the metal parts are as new and the beading between body panels and wheel arches is straight, clean, and shows no signs of overspray.

Everything looks standard Beetle. However, if you open the fuel filler flap, you will see the connector for the on-board 3Kw trickle charger.  (The correct cable comes with the car).

A very tidy and appealing example.

Like the exterior, the Volkswagen’s cabin retains all of its Bauhaus simplicity and functionality. Again, the only hint you will get that this is an electric vehicle is the BMS monitor to the right of the steering wheel telling you the car’s remaining power and range. Although the radio looks quite ‘period’, it offers Bluetooth connection. There are also four Pioneer speakers in the cabin.

The interior metal has also been repainted and shows no chips or scratches. Switches, the big white steering wheel and the gear stick knob show negligible wear, and the door furniture too is in fine condition. (Note the more sporty Wolfsburg Edition window winders). The vinyl on the door cards is clean and straight (mounted with even, clean screws) and the light cream seat material too is clean and tear free. 

The piping shows one or two minor marks. The driver’s seat appears a little saggy but is actually firm enough. Neither show any real patina to speak of. 

The headlining is clean and, for the most part, tight – only in the rear corners does it sag a little.

Should you be wondering at the three conventional pedals on the floor; the Beetle can be driven using its gears – and brakes – or simply switched over to a more ‘conventional’ one-pedal electric drive.

Underneath, the car looks a little weathered – there is some surface rust– but overall, everything appears solid and robust. The underside of the car looks sound. You’ll notice that the car has had new shock absorbers all round as well as new disc brakes up front. (The VW features regenerative braking). Tyres are also new.

The HyPer 9 motor looks like it was made for the car, such is its shape, size and location. The fitting appears well executed, with very tidy cabling and ducting. There are five 5.3Kw Tesla modules (batteries) in the car, giving a total of 26.6Kw of power. 

Three are in the front luggage compartment (there isn’t really room for anything else), and two are behind the rear seats. Again, positioning, installation and connections appear to be very good. Though where you might stow your weekend away case is another issue.

It's quite an odd thing to see the Volkswagen move but not hear its signature syncopated clatter, so whether an electric Beetle is for you is going to be a very individual choice. 

As already implied, somehow the new power source suits the Bauhaus aesthetic the car possesses. It’s installation frees you from the angst related to spiraling fossil fuel costs, while allowing you to retain all those on-road (tax) privileges related to owning an older vehicle.