Highlights

Comprehensive body-off nut-and-bolt restoration
In current ownership for approximately 18 years
Certificate from the Volkswagen Museum verifying vehicle identity and matching the original engine number
Factory standard mechanicals with no modifications
Recommissioned and set up by Moores Classic VW, a marque specialist

The Appeal

The 1303LS Karmann Convertible represents the final evolution of the air-cooled Beetle cabriolet, produced by Karmann in Osnabrück to a fine specification. MacPherson strut front suspension and a more refined cabin made for an altogether more developed open-top experience than its predecessors, and they remain among the most sought-after variants of the classic Volkswagen range.

This 1973 example has been in the current owner's care since 2008 and has undergone a body-off, nut-and-bolt restoration. Stripped to bare metal and resprayed in Marathon Blue metallic - a genuine Volkswagen colour - the shell received new floor pans, a full Dintrol corrosion treatment, and a new wiring loom. The interior was refurbished by Newton Commercial, and a new Sonnenland hood was fitted. Mechanically, all running gear, brakes, suspension and clutch were replaced with new VW parts, and the car was recommissioned by Moores Classic VW. Crucially, it comes with a certificate from the Volkswagen Museum confirming the vehicle's identity, alongside a substantial file of invoices.

Key Information

Mileage: 53,113km
Country of registration: UK
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: 1285cc 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed manual transmission
Paperwork: Certificate from the Volkswagen Museum, invoices and MOT certificate

The Detail

Bare metal respray in Marathon Blue metallic (genuine VW colour); 1 litre of original paint supplied with the car
Floor pans replaced and powder-coated
Treated with Dintrol system for corrosion protection
The vendor reports the car is rust-free
New Sonnenland hood and headlining fitted; hood frame powder-coated
New wiring loom fitted
All five wheels are powder-coated
New window and door seals fitted
Interior fully refurbished by Newton Commercial with new carpets
Seats are clean and well-kept
Instruments are clean and legible
New battery fitted
Fuel tank cleaned and powder-coated
All engine tinware is powder-coated
All running gear, brakes, suspension and clutch replaced with new VW parts
Engine and brakes are factory standard with no modifications
Recommissioned and set up by Moores Classic VW garage
Always dry-stored
Slight damage to rear wings sustained while in storage and a slight blemish on each door
Fuel gauge sender unit needs replacing as the gauge is not registering
The vendor reports the car starts well and runs fine but would probably benefit from a slight tune-up
Drives and stops well with no gearbox problems reported

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.