Highlights

A very nicely presented Beetle with a host of well chosen and well executed enhancements
Fitted with a 1,600cc air-cooled engine around four years ago to upgrade the dynamics
Regularly services and sympathetically stored and ready for use immediately

The Appeal

Most will know how Disney decided on the VW Beetle as the subject of their popular Herbie films. They parked a number of cars outside their Burbank studios and watched the staffs’ reactions to each. It was the Beetle that everyone seemed to gravitate towards, sitting inside, honking the horn always whilst grinning widely.

This bright red Beetle retains that irrepressible personality and innate appeal by the bucket load. The thoughtful modifications are part of the charm, of course, and help to set this example apart from the pack. It’s reported to be a good runner too. The bigger 1543cc engine was fitted around four years ago so this is a Beetle ready and able for new adventures with a new owner.

The History and Paperwork

Originally registered in April 1971 this is a UK supplied Beetle
It started life as a 1,200cc model
In previous ownership the Beetle has enjoyed a thorough make over
Works included vivid respray, full lowering and a complete interior refit
A 1,600cc example of the venerable VW air-cooled boxer unit was also fitted
The current owner acquired the Beetle in 2021
Since then, it has been moderately used and sympathetically stored
There is a good range of paperwork accompanying the Beetle
This includes the current V5 in the name of the owner
This classifies the Beetle as an Historic Vehicle
As such it is considered MOT exempt and zero rated for road tax in the UK
Other paperwork includes a number of invoices and some earlier MOTs
The current owner reports the Beetle has been services every six months in his tenure

The Condition

This cherished Beetle presents very well indeed in its bright red livery
Clearly benefitting from a fairly recent respray the condition is excellent
Both paintwork and bodywork seem very good overall
Wax sprayed underneath which can be seen from pictures
Has just been valeted with a ceramic wax finish
The current owner reports a couple of very minor blemishes
These consist of a paint bubble under the engine cover and some flaking paint around a vent
Otherwise, he describes paint and bodywork as excellent
With its lowered stance and other modifications, this Beetle is a definite eye-catcher
Those other external mods include a bumper delete with chromed T-bars fitted instead
Other standouts are the JBW Minilite style alloy wheels
These are 15-inch items and combine with the stance to fully fill the arches
The condition of these is impressive overall
They are fitted with a matching set of quality Yokohama tyres
These are a staggered set with 195/50s at the front and 205/50s at the rear
This Beetle’s cabin has been comprehensively refitted and retrimmed
In the front are a pair of high-backed Honda seats with supportive deep bolsters
These are finished in red and grey fabric and appear to be free from rips or tears
These fold and slide forward to give access to the rear
The rear bench has been re-trimmed in a complimentary red and black vinyl
The condition of this is excellent with the cover tightly fitted
Black vinyl adorns the door cards and rear panels
Black fitted carpets are present throughout
The perforated, light hued vinyl headlining is tight and cleanly presented
Other cabin upgrades include a contemporary JVC Bluetooth head unit
This is paired with some impressive Kenwood speakers in the rear shelf
A number of supplemental gauges have been expertly fitted
As has a custom steering wheel and an alloy Empi gear lever
A set of OMP alloy pedal grips are also noted
The front boot is carpet lined and home to the spare wheel and accompanying tools
The cabin of this Beetle is superbly presented and awash with character and charm

The Mechanics

This Beetle was fitted with a 1,600 cc version of the air cooled boxer engine around 4 years ago
This is mated to the usual four speed manual VW gearbox
The brakes and brake lines have been upgraded in the current ownership
The Beetle has also been lowered and all work done to a reportedly high standard
The owner reports that this Beetle sound amazing and drives very well indeed
He says, “it hugs corners and brings you smiles and happiness every time you start it.”
The engine bay looks very clean and well presented with a number of fun features noted
What can be seen of the underside looks well sorted for the age and type of car

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..