Highlights
- Authentic factory cabriolet, not a converted saloon
- Matching chassis and engine serial numbers confirmed by the vendor
- Body-off restoration carried out in 2008
- In current ownership for approximately 17 years
- Registered on a French Carte Grise de Collection
The Appeal
The 1302 Cabriolet holds a special place in the Volkswagen Beetle lineage. It combined the charming styling cues of earlier models, the flat windscreen, traditional dashboard, and small rear lights, with the mechanical refinements of the Superbeetle platform: a 1,600cc engine, MacPherson strut front suspension, front disc brakes, and a rear suspension featuring double-jointed CV driveshafts. Genuine factory-built cabriolets are increasingly sought after and command a premium over converted saloons.
This 1972 example is confirmed as an authentic factory cabriolet with matching chassis and engine serial numbers, and it is registered on a French carte grise de collection. It underwent a body-off restoration in 2008, which included a respray in a period-correct VW colour and a new mohair soft top. The vendor, who has owned the car since 2009, reports that the chassis rails and floor remain free of structural rust, and the soft top is in very good order. Stored at a secondary residence in the Dordogne and used only around six months per year, this Beetle has led a gentle life in its current ownership.
Key Information
- Mileage: 69,639 km (indicated, unwarranted, believed correct by the vendor)
- Country of registration: Belgium
- Technical inspection status: Contrôle technique expired (July 2025); not renewed due to the owner's illness
- Technical specs: 1,570cc flat-four, four-speed manual
- Paperwork: French Carte Grise de Collection; matching chassis and engine serial numbers confirmed by the vendor
The Detail
- Body-off restoration carried out in 2008, including a respray in a period-correct VW colour and a new mohair soft top
- Starter motor and battery recently replaced
- The vendor states the chassis rails and floor are free from structural rust
- Small area of surface rust at the front bonnet rest point caused by friction
- Pitting rust present on chrome parts, including headlight surrounds and bumpers
- Left front deflector window pivot is defective
- The vendor states the soft top is in very good condition
- Paintwork is of uneven quality with some drips and imperfections from the 2008 respray
- Paint chips noted on the front right door and rear right wing
- Seats present in good condition with age-appropriate wear; headrests are not original
- Small tear in the front right door trim
- Ventilation and heating control cables need attention
- Period radio fitted and functioning
- 12V power socket fitted
- Engine reported to start and run well, revving freely and producing normal power
- Gears engage cleanly; second gear tends to pop out under engine braking due to insufficient detent locking
- Brakes reported in good condition with straight, correct braking
- CV joints reported in good condition
- The vendor describes the steering as precise
- Routine service (filters, oil, and spark plugs) may need to be planned
- Original wheels available alongside the currently fitted replacements
- Stored at a secondary residence in the Dordogne and used approximately six months per year
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