Highlights

Top-spec 1.6-litre “Super Beetle”
Fully restored to a high standard
Owned by one previous keeper for over thirty years
Accompanied by a vast collection of paperwork including photographic record of the restoration work

The Appeal

Over six million VW Beetles were sold over more than sixty years of production. That’s a staggering figure and it’s fair to say the humble Type 1 is one of the all-time classic car icons.

Today, there’s a thriving scene built up around the legendary little air-cooled car, from modified examples through to beautifully preserved or restored originals. This one, however, is very special indeed.

Firstly, it’s a 1303 “Super Beetle”, of the type introduced in 1971, fitted with MacPherson Strut front suspension and granted a larger cabin with a vinyl-covered dashboard and curved windscreen. Moreover, it’s the ‘S’ model, denoting front disc brakes and a twin-port 1.6-litre engine rather than the more commonly found 1.3.

This Beetle has been subject to a ground-up bare metal restoration and as the photographs show, it continues to present very well indeed. There’s a photographic record of the restoration and a wealth of invoices for parts purchased over the years.

In summary, this great example of one of the most collectable variants of the Super Beetle, with a lot of history and in restored condition. As a 1303 S, it has the added appeal of improved performance and cruising refinement, as well as being a car you can buy and enjoy with great parts support and a buzzing social scene.

The History and Paperwork

UK market RHD example
29,390 miles indicated
Exempt from road tax and MOT
Some service history present, including numerous invoices for parts and servicing
Photographic restoration record
Previous MOT certificates
Original brochure
Old tax discs
Fully restored over several years
Antepenultimate keeper owned it for over thirty years

The Condition

Bare metal respray
Fully restored
Colour-matched wheels
Excellent condition
Black vinyl seats
Period push-button Blaupunkt radio

During his 30 years of ownership, the last-but-one keeper took the Beetle off the road for a number of years and stripped it to a bare metal shell. He completed the full rebuild himself sourcing all original VW parts, which are all evidenced with the invoices along with a photographic record of the rebuild.

It looks vibrant in bright yellow and is superbly presented, with no visible corrosion, marks or damage. The car has only been used in dry conditions in recent years and is kept in a garage.

Period accessories include whitewall tyres and front fog lamps.

The cabin is basic, as you’d expect from a Beetle, but the interior of this 1303 S is in largely very good order with no major issues or signs of wear.

The black vinyl seat facings are in good condition, as are the carpets, though there’s some minor damage to the driver’s side lower seat trim – it doesn’t affect its usage, though.

In car entertainment comes courtesy of a modern USB digital head unit, while it also has charming period accessories in the form of a louvred rear sun blind, yellow snooker ball gear knob and wood-rimmed steering wheel.

The Mechanics

Replacement engine with 28k
50bhp 1600 unit
Drives well with no known issues

The vendor describes the Beetle as being in superb mechanical order. The original engine has been replaced with a replacement 1600 unit that has covered just over 28,000 miles. It runs well, with a distinctive air-cooled gurgle and good oil pressure.

It is said to be good to drive, with no known issues with the steering, suspension or any of the running gear.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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