HIGHLIGHTS
- Unique custom stunner
- Sound restored bodywork
- Comprehensive service history
- Replacement 1,776 cc air-cooled engine
- Original registration number
THE APPEAL
The Volkswagen or “the people’s car” has out-lived pretty much every other car model in the world. Compact, practical and cheap to run, it was ground breaking with a personality all of it’s own.
This custom bug is no exception, and looks radiant in it’s glossy blue paintwork and slightly lowered stance. The wings have been welded and blended to the body giving a very smooth and enhanced ‘jelly-mould’ appearance to the whole car.
The minimal look continues with the lack of bumpers, quarter light windows, simple lighting and less chrome. EMPI wheels complete the external styling perfectly.
Peering inside we find a tasteful, and again, minimal look which includes some nice touches such as a steering wheel-mounted rev-counter and comfortable modern bucket seats. At the rear performance is provided by the desirable 1,776 cc engine.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- First registered on the 7th March 1969
- V5 is present
- Original green Registration Book
- Original service book with 36 main dealer stamps
- Wide selection of parts invoices from 2009 - 2021
- Parts catalogues
- Body restoration photographs
- Some older MOT’s
- Last (exempt) ’Pass’ MOT was carried out in May 2016 at 32,801 miles
- Taxed until the 1st October 2023 (exempt)
The original Registration Book shows us that this Beetle was delivered to Volkswagen Motors Ltd, Ramsgate, in 1969 and it’s first owner was a lady living in Haywards Heath, Sussex.
From 1970, we find a comprehensive set of dealer stamps in the original service book from Volkswagen Plaistow (later Dovercourt, Plaistow), London.
We are surmising a little, but judging by accompanying invoices from VW Heritage Parts Centre Ltd, this striking bug may have been restored and customised between 2009 - 2011.
The previous owner and car collector acquired it on the 19th February 2014 and appears to have continued the development and improvement process with parts, servicing and tuning provided by MACVW.
THE INTERIOR
- Blue and red coordinated cabin
- Smooth minimalist dash
- Mountney leather steering wheel with integrated rev-counter
- Combined speedometer and fuel gauge
- Nice door cards / rear trim and chrome fittings
- Modern seats with electrically adjustable driver’s seat (some wear)
- Presentable fitted carpeting with worn over-mats
- Diamond custom headlining
- Carpeted boot with a solid floor
- Spare wheel with older tyre
THE EXTERIOR
- Deep Blue pearl paintwork (originally green)
- Smooth, dent and scratch-free body
- Lower body edges a little rough (see photos)
- Nice headlights and ‘Tear drop’ rear combination lights
- Undamaged screens and single-piece door windows
- Good window rubbers
- Solid floorpan with some fresh underseal
- 15” EMPI four spoke alloy wheels
- Bridgestone Potenza 165/50R15 front / Toyo 330 165/80R15 rears
THE MECHANICS
- Clean and shiny engine compartment
- Air-cooled 1,776 cc engine with unconfirmed mileage
- Theoretical perfect bore and stroke combination performance
- Twin Weber carburettors
- Pertronix Ignitor electronic ignition and Flame Thrower coil
- 4-speed transmission
- 12-volt electrics
- Facet electronic fuel pump
- Competent steering, suspension and brakes
- Essential servicing and fluid changes carried out by the vendor
During the frosty photoshoot this little Beetle started and ticked over just fine and felt like it would confidently shoot off down the road a treat.
SUMMARY
It is clear that a huge amount of love and passion has been poured into creating this bugs aesthetics, and with an upgraded engine, should offer built-in reliability and drivability.
Despite it’s age, the nimble and fun VW Beetle is still a practical and affordable daily driver, and being a bit of a head-turner, would also attract interest at VW gathering’s and classic car shows.
All-in-all this is a great looking classic Beetle with room for a little weekend tinkering.
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