Winning bid
£14,000

1974 Volkswagen 1303 LS Beetle Karmann

Highlights

  • Rare right-hand drive Karmann cabriolet
  • Recently restored
  • Presents beautifully

The Appeal

Undoubtedly one of the most iconic and loved cars of all time, anywhere, is the VW Beetle, aptly named the People’s Car, which was always the intention. The bug’s timeless design ensures it stands out on the road and continues to enjoy wide appeal among the classic car community and the ‘cool cats’ among us, spanning all generations. Its popularity meant it was produced in considerable numbers over the years and they adorn many of our roads today in almost every corner of the globe. It is slightly rarer however to come across an original right-hand drive Karmann Cabriolet that has been so beautifully restored and brought back to former glory like perhaps it never knew. 
Once such example is now up for auction and its drop-dead gorgeous looks will have many of us drooling at the thought of owning it and heading out into the sunshine with the roof down this summer. With no expense spared, this beautiful example has been completely restored from the chassis up, with total expenditure to the tune of nearly £26,000.

The History and Paperwork

  • Supplied new in 1974
  • Historic vehicle
  • Little is known about the cars history so the mileage can’t be verified, but it was purchased by current owner about 3 years ago with the intention to completely strip and rebuild as a beautiful car to keep. Sadly with the vendor suffering from a condition causing rapidly deteriorating eyesight means it must find a new home
  • V5c present 
  • MOT and Tax exempt 
  • 1 set of keys
  • Spare wheel and jack

The Interior

  • Brand new interior installed by local specialists including seat covers in cream vinyl
  • New carpets throughout
  • Brand new mohair soft-top replaced at cost of £1200
  • Brand new white soft-top vinyl cover and the original black vinyl cover will be sold with the vehicle
  • All gauges and electrics work with the exception of the radio
  • Dashboard and trim are free from any cracks or damage 
  • Headlining nice, clean and taught
  • New door cards all very clean
  • Clean carpeted boot area with full-size matching spare wheel

The Exterior

  • Resprayed in Ruby Red Metallic the car looks fantastic in the gleaming sunshine and is in near perfect condition. The only one slight imperfection we found was to the rear nearside rear wing where a small scratch spoils an otherwise exemplary example
  • In truly fantastic condition 
  • No dents or dings to be found
  • Chrome all looks to be in excellent shape
  • Recent tyres all round
  • Wing mirrors and trim all present well including the door handles and the bumpers
  • Underneath had anti-corrosion treatment from new and appears good and solid
  • Lights all work and are free from any cracks or damage

The Mechanics

  • 1,585cc air-cooled engine
  • 4-speed manual gearbox
  • Body was completely removed from chassis, small amount of welding done to some floor panels, Hammerite applied throughout
  • New bonnet and wings sourced from Volkswagen Heritage
  • Where possible genuine parts have been used throughout
  • New shock absorbers
  • New track arms
  • New driveshaft seals
  • New heat exchangers
  • New stainless-steel exhaust 
  • Reground and repainted wheels
  • New tyres all round with white wall inserts
  • New brake shoes on rear and discs to front, together with new brake pipes all round
  • New cylinders, pistons and cylinder heads
  • Upgraded electronic distributer for greater performance and reliability
  • New Hella headlights
  • New clutch
  • All hydraulic fluids changed
  • All electrics reported to function correctly
  • The vendor advises that the car is in fantastic mechanical shape, starting and driving exceptionally well with no issues to report or advise

The Summary

With simplicity at their heart, not only are they a joy to own but they are economical and reliable too. Often a basic toolkit and Haynes manual will help you keep it well maintained. 
Presented in excellent all round condition, in a fantastic colour and spades of character, this example will appeal to anyone that wants a true unpretentious classic that will attract admitting glances wherever it goes. 
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
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Auction Details

  • Year1974
  • MakeVolkswagen
  • ModelBeetle
  • ColourRuby Red
  • Odometer28,114 Miles
  • Engine size1585cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownRedditch
  • CountyWorcestershire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

21 Bids

AerielL••••
Bid
£14,000
30/06/23
error.1••••
Bid
£12,500
28/06/23
AerielL••••
Bid
£12,000
28/06/23
melvyn-••••
Bid
£11,750
28/06/23
AerielL••••
Bid
£11,500
28/06/23
melvyn-••••
Bid
£11,250
28/06/23
AerielL••••
Bid
£11,000
28/06/23
melvyn-••••
Bid
£10,750
28/06/23
Nikk••••
Bid
£10,500
28/06/23
melvyn-••••
Bid
£10,250
28/06/23

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