Highlights
- One owner from new
- Very original example
- Incredible condition
- Well documented history
The Background
The VW Beetle is a simple cute car created by VW to meet the demand for affordable reliable small cars during and after WW2. Powered by aircooled engines they were simple to maintain and whilst speed was not the aim , looked after, they would be very reliable and being very light and nimble thanks to clever engineering by Ferdinand Porsche, they were pretty good in all weathers.
Despite the original design being some 84 years old they are still sought after by many and no matter where you are you’ll always recognise one.
The History
This particular beetle has been in the hands of the current owner since new, that’s nearly 46 years! In that time they have enjoyed many trips in the vehicle even travelling across Europe at one point.
It has been loved and cherished and importantly up until recently it’s been used regularly which means it’s been always kept up together and not tucked away to rot like some.
Unfortunately, it now isn’t being used as much as they would like so the owners are saying goodbye to their long term friend.
The Paperwork
It would probably be easier to list what’s not here. The car having been owned by the same person since new has a comprehensive paperwork file. The owners have been meticulous in keeping every document, receipt or certificate during their ownership which is fantastic.
The normal V5 is present as is an original service book and various receipts for works undertaken throughout the years.
The Interior
The original interior is in fantastic used condition and apart from maybe a clean of the vinyl the seats they are in fantastic shape. There are no rips or damage present.
It really is a bit of time warp in here with all of the original buttons, steering wheel etc present.
The original radio is present but is not currently working and there is a rip in the driver's side door card. The small comfort light above the passenger side door is missing is surround.
The odometer was found faulty at circa 60k miles and was swapped out for a brand new unit. The new unit started at Zero and is now displaying 91k so the car has covered circa 150k in total.
The Exterior
The exterior of this beetle is again in very original condition and has been kept garaged whenever possible. The paint is in fantastic condition with a few minor areas that will need attention at some point in the future. It has had a number of minor repairs over the years with the wings being repainted and they have been matched very well, it's impossible to tell.
The car has also been re-undersealed at some point.
Overall it looks great as you can see from the images. The chrome work is in decent condition also.
The car sits on its original steels with 4 original hubcaps. At least one hub cap has some tape over it to cover a corroded edge.
The Mechanics
Mechanically, the car has been maintained meticulously no matter the cost and every service, replacement part etc has been recorded. It has the original 1200cc engine and other than standard maintenance etc it hasn’t need a rebuild.
As a result, the car starts and drives very well and is a joy. It recently had a new battery.
The Appeal
The VW Beetle, especially the classic original beetle such as this is an absolutely iconic design. Even if they have not owned one most people are aware of the vehicle.
Its simple design and loveable character has meant that it has amassed a huge following over the years and there is still a massive fan base for them.
One owner original cars like this are almost the holy grail, sure it's not a really early 40s or 50s example but an early model such as that would undoubtedly need a lot of work possibly a full restoration.
This car has been loved and looked after all its life and with its owners now preferring something a little more modern its time for the bug to find a new home and hopefully as loving as its current one.
Grab a fantastic collectors car while you can, they are only going one way in this condition!
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