・Frame off restoration completed in 2020 and never driven since 

・All-new, original VW parts used to complete the rebuild

・A unique example of an iconic, enjoyable piece of automotive history

A car that needs little introduction; the VW Beetle carries a silhouette that can be instantly recognised by almost anyone around the world.  In a staggeringly long production period, lasting from 1938 until 2003, the Beetle was designed to be as simple as possible to build and to work on and though it went through various style changes in its long lifetime, the core outline remained, reinforcing the ‘bug’ type design that we all recognise today.

It’s a car that’s enjoyed, and still does, a cult-like status. From its strong association with the 60’s hippie culture, to its famous starring role as Herbie in ‘The Love Bug’, it’s little wonder that the car is loved by so many enthusiasts around the world, hatching festivals dedicated to celebrating the VW Beetle. 

A good deal rarer than the mass-produced hardtop, this Cabriolet version was produced by the Karmann factory, offering a top-down summer fun to the masses. This example of the VW Karmann Beetle offered for auction features a 1300cc 4-cylinder engine and manual gearbox, both of which have been completely stripped and rebuilt with new parts. With a frame off restoration having been very recently completed and the car not being driven since, this car is a unique example of a classic VW brought into the modern-day through lengthy and painstaking work.

First leaving the factory in Germany in 1973, this Beetle was exported to the UK in 1982 and has been in the current owner’s family for over 20 years. At the start of 2018 the cherished car was taken off the road and its restoration work began. Carrying significant sentimental value to the family, the intention was for the freshly restored car to be presented to the owner’s daughter on her 18th Birthday. Sadly, with the works taking longer than planned – only finishing in late 2020, this opportunity passed, and it was decided that instead, the proceeds of this sale would be of greater benefit in putting towards the deposit on the daughters first home.

Previously registered as AUI446, the current and correct registration was re-issued by the DVLA during the two-year restoration, with the car now bearing the correct plates: UEC 623M, validated with a fresh V5. Copies of the car’s MOT history from 1998 are present along with previous invoices from this decade. More importantly is the folder of over 35 invoices confirming every new item and labour required to complete the full refurbishment between 2018 and 2020. All restoration work has been photographed to go alongside the documentation.

Some original features of the interior have been preserved, including the steering wheel, gear knob and dials, providing a great sense of the era of this original car. Elsewhere though, this feels like a new car inside. The re-trimmed leather seats from a Mini Cooper match the soft cream hood lining and door cards, contrasting beautifully against the dark blue exterior paint. Fresh black carpet has been fitted throughout and the pedal assembly was all refreshed during the works. 

To complement the modernised practicality of this car, a full new audio system was installed, including head unit and speakers all-round making this a car ready to be enjoyed. The newly installed, soft black roof offers a subtle contrast to the metallic paint and is, of course, un-marked with all-new hinges to ensure perfect function when you need to open and close.

Before being professionally stripped, sandblasted and re-painted in a classy, deep navy metallic blue colour, most of the panels were replaced with new items, from the floors to front and rear quarters. The bodywork therefore presents in near-perfect condition and has been garaged since the work to preserve its fresh looks. 

Numerous exterior parts have been sought out and supplied by a classic Volkswagen specialist in Kent, preserving the Beetle’s period looks. These include the twin chrome tailpipes, chrome bonnet handle, badging and original mirrors. The fully refurbished wheels, shod with fresh tyres complete the standout finish.

From the reconditioned engine loom to the fully rebuilt carburettor, this is mechanically to be considered ‘as new’. Though the car was not driven during our time photographing it, the mechanics who completed the work were on-hand and confirmed that the car runs and drives perfectly, with all work tested extensively at numerous stages of the restoration works. A complete, itemised list of this work can be provided by the seller upon request and will confirm that every moving part of this car, from the original 1300cc engine to the 4-speed gearbox, has been stripped and rebuilt with entirely new parts. A look under the bonnet or underside of the car will confirm what fantastic condition the running gear presents in. 

This is very clearly a car that’s had vast sums of money, time and care spent on it to bring it up to like-new mechanical and visual condition. It is, therefore, a car that should ask for nothing from its new owner, other than the hood to be dropped and great memories to be made in it this summer and for many more to come.

With a thriving classic VW owner’s scene across the country, there’s ample opportunity to enjoy this beautiful Beetle Cabriolet with other appreciative owners who will – no doubt – be yet come across an example in such a condition as this.