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In extremely original condition
Recently thoroughly overhauled by a Volkswagen expert
New tyres
Thoroughly overhauled brake system

The Attractions

Originally conceived by Californian engineer, artist, boat builder and surfer Bruce Meyers, the first 'beach buggy' came onto the market in 1964, perfectly representing the spirit of those years. Meyers realised that the popular Volkswagen Beetle would be a perfect mechanical basis for a car designed for frolicking in the dunes, with its simple and robust air-cooled engine mounted at the rear, above the drive wheels, in an ideal position to offer more traction. The protagonists of the 1960s counterculture fell in love with it, and so do we today.

This 1973 beach buggy is not a Meyers Manx but an Autozodiaco, an Italian interpretation very similar to the original American design. By importing resin parts from the United States and modifying Volkswagen Beetles, Autozodiaco created a beach buggy with great personality that stands out for its originality.

This particular example is an Autozodiaco Deserter from the first series, which retains its original six-volt electrical system, like the first Beetles. With its original Italian number plates and still in totally original condition, this buggy is a rare car indeed. Recently overhauled by a Volkswagen expert and fitted with new tyres, it will certainly provide plenty of fun for its next lucky owner.

History and Documentation

Registered in 1973
Italian registration and original number plates
Recently overhauled by a Volkswagen expert

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Condition

Extremely original inside and out
No obvious damage to the fibreglass bodywork
Beetle floor looks in good shape, no obvious corrosion problems
Very shiny and bright red paint, no visible imperfections in the photographs
Equipped with front and rear protection bars
Vintage chrome-plated steel wheels with BF Goodrich tyres
Sports steering wheel and front shell seats
Upholstery and carpeting appear to have been recently renewed and show very few signs of use
We have been informed that all electrical services in the passenger compartment work properly
New tyres

Mechanics

Volkswagen boxer four-cylinder air-cooled 1.2-litre engine
Volkswagen four-speed manual gearbox
It has been reported to us that the original 6-volt electrical system has been retained and is functioning correctly
The brake system has been thoroughly overhauled
The car was recently serviced and serviced by a Volkswagen expert
Fitted with a long-life six-volt 'Optima' battery
The seller informed us that this buggy drives well, with no known mechanical faults to report

BEFORE BUYING

This sale is subject to the Terms and Conditions of Car & Classic. By submitting an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓Theseller of this vehicle is registered as a professional seller. And you are protected by the Terms and Conditions of Car & Classic.

✓Ifyou are the lucky winner of an auction or if your bid is accepted, we will ask you to pay a non-refundable commission fee. Please refer to our FAQ and Terms & Conditions for specific fees.

✓Thisvehicle is'SoldAs Seen', on an'as is and where is' basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and it is good practice to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for added peace of mind and security.

✓VATis included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or asking price, as specified in the ad.

✓Justlike you, we want transactions to be as straightforward and transparent as possible, which is why we subject all UK vehicles for sale on Car & Classic to an HPI check to ensure that they are not listed in insurance databases as damaged or stolen and that they are free of any financial liens, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓Wealso check whether vehicles have been declared withdrawn from circulation and compensated as irreparably damaged when an ad is published on Car & Classic, and where necessary we indicate the category of damage reported (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of such indications is no guarantee of the condition of the vehicle and it is always preferable to carry out a full vehicle history check yourself before submitting an offer.

✓Buyers are responsible for collecting or delivering the vehicle. Additional customs duties and import taxes may apply when importing vehicles, so it is advisable to check beforehand. If required, we can direct you to a third-party shipping company that can help. For more details, or to communicate with our team, please email [email protected].